Billie Holiday Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Husband, Music

Billie Holiday was an American jazz and swing singer. She was affectionately known as “Lady Day,” a nickname from her friend and musical collaborator, Lester Young.

She played a pivotal role in shaping jazz and popular music. Her vocal style was deeply influenced by jazz instrumentalists, and she introduced innovative approaches to phrasing and tempo.

Profile

• Full Name: Billie Holiday
• Stage Name: Lady Day
• Born: 7, April 1915
• Date of death: July 17, 1959 (Aged: 44 years)
• Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Jazz and swing singer
• Height: 1.65m
• Parent: Sarah Julia Fagan and Clarence Holiday
• Siblings: Eva Miller
• Spouse: Jimmy Monroe (m. 1941–1947), Joe Guy (m. 1951–1957), and Louis McKay (m. 1957–1959)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $750

Early Life And Education

Billie Holiday was born on April 7 April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. She was raised by her parents, Sarah Julia Fagan and Clarence Holiday, alongside her sister, Eva Miller.

Her educational background remains unknown, and she had no formal musical training. Of African American ethnicity, her religious beliefs were not well-documented, though Catholicism played a role in her early life.

Career

Billie Holiday’sHoliday’s professional career began in the early 1930s as a dancer in Harlem nightclubs. However, she turned to singing when dancing opportunities became limited, quickly gaining recognition in local jazz clubs such as Pod and Jerry’s Jerry’s Log Cabin. Her breakthrough came in 1933 when jazz writer and producer John Hammond discovered her talent.

Recognizing her potential, Hammond arranged her first recording session with renowned clarinetist Benny Goodman, officially launching her career in the music industry. By the mid-1930s, Holiday had established herself as a significant figure in jazz, collaborating with Teddy Wilson and Count Basie’s band members.

Her success led to tours with Count Basie in 1937 and Artie Shaw in 1938, making her the first black woman to perform with an all-white band. Influenced by jazz instrumentalists, her distinct vocal phrasing set her apart, earning her widespread acclaim.

During her peak years from 1936 to 1942, Holiday captivated audiences with her performances in concerts and cabarets. She delivered timeless renditions of songs like What a Little Moonlight Can Do and Strange Fruit, becoming a powerful anthem against racial injustice.

Despite personal struggles, including legal challenges and addiction, Holiday remained dedicated to her craft throughout the 1940s and 1950s. She performed multiple sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and continued to record music, with her final album, Lady in Satin, released in 1958.

Her impact on jazz and popular music endured beyond her lifetime, leading to her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Holiday’s autobiography, Lady Sings the Blues, published in 1956, provided insight into her life and struggles, further cementing her status as one of history’s most influential jazz vocalists.

Social Media

Billie Holiday does not have a social media handle.

Personal Life

Billie Holiday experienced a turbulent romantic life, marrying three times but never having children. Her first marriage was to jazz trumpeter Jimmy Monroe in 1941, a relationship troubled by substance abuse and other challenges, leading to their divorce around 1945.

She later reportedly married trumpeter Joe Guy, who dated her from 1951 to 1957. Her final and most well-known marriage was to Louis McKay, whom she married on March 28 March 28, 1952.

Although their marriage lasted until her passing in 1959, it was fraught with difficulties, including allegations of abuse. Despite her long-term relationships, Holiday never had children.

Discography

• Billie Holiday Sings (1952)
• An Evening with Billie Holiday (1953)
• Billie Holiday (1954)
• Music for Torching (1955)
• Velvet Mood (1956)
• Solitude (1956)
• Lady Sings the Blues (1956)
• Body and Soul (1957)
• Songs for Distingué Lovers (1957)
• Stay with Me (1958)
• All or Nothing at All (1958)
• Lady in Satin (1958)
• Last Recording (1959)

Net Worth

At the time of her death in 1959, Billie Holiday had an estimated net worth of around $750. She had just 70 cents in her bank account and the remaining cash taped to her leg. However, her music continues to generate substantial income through royalties.