Vintage black and white photo of a Billie Holiday singing into a microphone.

Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday (1915–1959), “Lady Day,” transformed jazz singing with intimate phrasing, behind-the-beat timing and a haunting, emotive tone. From “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless the Child” to “Lover Man,” her recordings are cultural touchstones. A close musical partner to Lester Young, she fronted Basie and Artie Shaw bands and influenced generations of vocalists.