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Musician · 1915–1959

Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday was an American jazz singer.

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Billie Holiday
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CHAPTER 01

Life and work

Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Fagan; April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959) was an American jazz and swing music singer. Nicknamed "Lady Day" by her friend and music partner, Lester Young, Holiday made significant contributions to jazz music and pop singing. Her vocal style, strongly influenced by jazz instrumentalists, inspired a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo. Holiday was known for her vocal delivery and improvisational skills.

Biography excerpt from Wikipedia contributors, shortened. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Billie Holiday — Wikipedia contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0) ↗︎

CHAPTER 02

A beginning in Philadelphia

Billie Holiday was born in Philadelphia. This is a place to begin tracing the life behind the work. The map identifies the wider birthplace area, rather than a childhood home or a building open to visitors.

Billie Holiday — biographical record ↗︎

THE PLACES BEHIND THE STORY

A life on the map.

Explore 2 connections. Each connection links to its evidence; outlined circles mark approximate areas, not exact buildings or camera positions.

01 / AREA REFERENCE

Philadelphia

Billie Holiday was born in Philadelphia. This is a place to begin tracing the life behind the work. The map identifies the wider birthplace area, rather than a childhood home or a building open to visitors.

Billie Holiday — biographical record ↗︎

Area reference. Follow public routes; this association does not grant access to private homes, teaching spaces or backstage areas.

Open street map ↗︎

Map reference

IN THE STORY

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WORKS

Culture, connected.

Follow the work through its real places.

KEEP EXPLORING

Cities and Worlds.

CITY

New York ↗︎

Street corners, fire escapes and subway rhythms. A city to read at walking pace.

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