Legendary blues singer from Baltimore, Billie was born Eleanor Gough (Fagan) in 1915. Her father (Clarence Holiday) played guitar for Fletcher Henderson’s band. By the time she was 12 years old Billie moved to New York to be with her mother and was singing the blues in Harlem clubs by the age of 15. She was discovered by John Hammond. During her career Billie sang on records by Stan Getz, Eddie Haywood, Al Hibbler, Count Basie, Artie Shaw… She released recordings backed by Benny Goodman, Teddy Wilson, Ray Ellis & Orchestra, and others.
Nicknamed ‘Lady Day’ she had one solo hit – “Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be)” on the R&B charts in 1945. Also recorded the classic “God Bless the Child” and many other songs including “Carelessly” and “I’m Gonna Lock My Heart.” She made occasional appearances in Baltimore including a weeklong engagement at the Club Tijuana in June 1957.
Billie died of a drug overdose in 1959. The 1972 movie “Lady Sings the Blues” starring Diana Ross was based on her life story.
