Billie Holiday is arguably the most recognizable voice in vocal jazz history. Billie was born Eleonora Fagan on April 7, 1915, in Baltimore, Maryland. Her childhood was ridden with poverty, and at the age of 15, Billie turned to music as a way to support herself. In 1930, she moved to New York City with her mother and began singing at nightclubs for tips.
Three years later, the young and talented singer was discovered by the record producer John Hammond, who took her under his wing. It was through a series of recordings made between 1935 and 1939 that Holiday's international reputation was established. During these years, she performed with the Duke Ellington orchestra and eventually with Count Basie and Artie Shaw as well. The tenor saxophonist, Lester Young, who was Billie's frequent musical collaborator and a close friend, gave her the nickname “Lady Day.”
Though her career was successful, Billie’s personal life was tumultuous. Her abuse of drugs and alcohol, along with her tempestuous love life often got in the way of her career. Holiday died in 1959 at the young age of 44, but her unique interpretation of blues and jazz, her unforgettable voice, and her charisma inspire countless people to this day. Here are 12 of Billie Holiday's best songs.
Bob Dylan’s Most Evocative and Timeless Hits
Enjoy the timeless magic of the 20th century's most influential singer songwriter, Bob Dylan
If You Love Classical Music, You MUST Hear This Pianist
When it comes to musical talent, it doesn't get better than Yuja Wang. Enjoy this lovely performance by the famed classical pianist.
Nostalgia: 12 Great Songs by The Mamas and The Papas
If you're a fan of The Mamas and The Papas, you're going to love this collection of their greatest song.
The Greatest Hits of the Unforgettable David Bowie
David Bowie was an undisputed master of reinvention and one of the 20th century's great musicians. Enjoy his most memorable hits on this playlist
This Guitarist Plays Some Great Songs From 1680 to 2017
This video will take you through the evolution of music, featuring songs from 1680 to 2017.
The Never-Ending Playlist: Enjoy Hours of Great Music!
Listen to all your favorite artists with the neverending playlist!
This Family Makes Art. The Beach is Their Canvas
This family creates art together! Imagine what it would be like to wander on the beach and see their work in progress.
This Rope Jumping Act Takes it to an Entirely New Level
Watch as these Chinese acrobats somersault over skipping ropes in mid-air. This is not for the faint of heart!
Amazing! This Dance is Still Mind-Blowing 76 Years Later!
From the powerful voice of Cab Calloway to the masterful moves of the Nicholas brothers, this fantastic performance continues to hold its own, over 75 years later.
A Sublime Musical Courtship that is Both Funny and Beautiful
A delightful rendition of Salsa De La Luna as a romantic interaction between two violins.
WATCH: Bocelli Stuns Audience With An Amazing Surprise
Legendary tenor, Andrea Bocelli, does a wonderful job accompanying the lost voice of Edith Piaf in a glorious and totally unique performance.
How On Earth Were These Famous Faces Recreated?
Crowd art is certainly extraordinary, but these famous faces were not created how you think they were...
These Beautiful Works of Art Are Made With Natural Things
James Brunt loves walking in nature, but he chooses to beautify it even further by creating works of art that blend in with their surroundings. Take a look.
André Rieu Amazes Us With a Gorgeous "I Will Survive"!
André Rieu joins forces with powerhouse singer Dorona Alberti to sing "I Will Survive".
This Artist Turned Her Unique Paper Art Into a Living
Portuguese artist Sena Runa's beautiful paper quilling art has resulted in her amassing a staggering 100,000 followers. Take a look at her unique work here.
Learn Some Fascinating Facts in the Most Fun Way!
Just Keep Thinking is a project making information about the world accessible and fun through fun colorful illustrations. Scroll to learn something new!
Watch This Master of Hoops in Smooth Action!
Valeri Tkach is a world-class juggler who is going to show you some tricks you've never seen before...
Watch These Acrobats Defy Gravity in an Amazing Circus Act
You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching these talented Russian circus acrobats perform feats on the teeterboard like you've never seen.
You'll Never Guess What This Dog Does For Its Owner!
This Japanese dog is certainly very patient and a very good model. Its human creates cardboard cutouts for it to model. View the hilarious results.
It's Amazing What an Artist Can Do With a Humble Bookend
Monde is an artist like no other - he turned his attention to bookends, drawing inspiration from the city of Tokyo. Take a look at his unique and amazing work.
These Tiny Acrobats Will Leave Your Mouth Wide Open
Here is one of the most beautiful and impressive acrobatic act by the Stars of Beijing's Circus!!
WATCH: A Superb Xylophone Performance by Christoph Sietzen
This beautiful xylophone performance, which is an interpretation of Emmanuel Séjourné's Attraction, will have you utterly spellbound.
Watch: This Visual Dance Act Is Out of This World!
The amazing dancing couple, Another Kind of Blue, bring new and exciting techniques to Britain’s Got Talent.
Is This a Troupe of Acrobats or Dancers? Sublime!
This Chinese Acrobat Troupe is not just doing stunts, but has wonderful dancers as well. Don't miss this colorful and energetic performance
Spectacular! What an Innovative Form of Art This Is
Have you ever seen sculptures, brooches and decorations like this before? Check out this stunning art!
These Paintings Transport You to a Pastoral Dream World
Denmark's most famous landscape painter is one of the art world's greatest secrets. Have a look at these wondrous examples of his work.
This Guitarist Plays Some Great Songs From 1680 to 2017
This video will take you through the evolution of music, featuring songs from 1680 to 2017.
These Realistic 3D Artworks Will Make You Do a Double Take
These unbelievably realistic 3-D sketches will blow your mind.
With Paul Simon, Song After Song After Song Is Beautiful
After leaving Simon and Garfunkel, Paul Simon set upon a career of brilliant solo music. Here are 24 of his best records to date!
Lord of the Dance Performance With Michael Flatley!
This step dance performance by Michael Flatley and Lord of the Dance is beyond beautiful!
This Incredible Act Will Blow Your Mind!
We have no doubt that you will be completely dumbfounded by this act.
The Song 'Hallelujah' Was Crying Out to Be Sung by Il Divo
Here's a rare rendition that you won't forget in a hurry...
How It's Made: Glass Christmas Ornaments
Enjoy a quick history of Christmas glass ornaments and a deep look into how they're made!
This Classical Duo's Music Will Touch Your Soul, Guaranteed
Watch the legendary Anre Rieu perform alongside Gheorghe Zamfir, as they treat their audience to Lonely Shepherd, live from Bucharest.
12 World-Famous Sculptures Everyone Should Recognize
In this article, we showcase 12 of the most famous and recognized sculptures in the world starting from the oldest to the most recent.
This Stunning Chapel in Naples Will Leave You in Awe
This chapel looks more like a museum than a church. Take a look at its stunning sculptures here.
WATCH: This Magician Will Leave You Utterly Speechless...
Kevin James is considered to be one of the best magicians in the entire world, and this evidenced by his Best Comedy Magician victory at the World magic Awards.
This Harp Breathes Magical New Life Into an Old Classic
Many people often claim that the harp is the instrument of the angels, and after watching this video, I'm sure you'll be inclined to agree.
Watch This Young Singer Completely Nail 'O Sole Mio'
Watch the young and incredibly talented Amira Willighagen performing the classic song, 'O Sole Mio' alongside the legendary Patrizio Buanne.
12 Jaw Dropping Facts About the Most Famous Art in History
You'll likely recognize these famous artworks, but we’re willing to bet you didn’t know the incredibly curious facts about these masterpieces
A Beatles Salute You'll Never Forget...
If you like the Beatles, you're going to LOVE this video.
You've Never Heard Ave Maria Sung Like This Before
Martin Hurkens voice is absolutely incredible. Check it out here.
You Haven’t Seen This Kind of Detail in Glass Art Before!
Glass is an unexpectedly flexible material - and artist Amber Cowan takes advantage of this fact to turn it into beautiful artwork...
12 Short Poems By the Some of the Greatest Poets!
These 25 short profound poems are brought to you by famous poets from different eras and will bring peace to any turbulent day.
The Most Emotional Performance of 'A Thousand Years'
Watch the Piano Guys completely stun the audience with their rendition of the timeless classic, 'A Thousand Years.'
Stunning! These Pencil Drawings Look Like Photographs
Emanuele Dascanio is a true master of his craft, creating incredibly realistic graphite pencil and charcoal portraits.
This Interpretative Dance Made Me Scream With Laughter!
Watch David Armand ridiculously mime Queen's 'Don't Stop Me Now,' while a couple of audience members try to guess the song. Hilarious!