Billie Holiday, American Jazz Singer

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Billie Holiday, American Jazz Singer

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Billie Holiday (April 7, 1915 - July 17, 1959) was an African-America jazz singer, songwriter, and actress. Her vocal style, strongly inspired by jazz instrumentalists, pioneered a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo. Her delivery made her performances recognizable throughout her career. Her improvisation compensated for lack of musical education. Her voice lacked range and was thin, and years of drug use altered its texture and gave it a fragile, raspy sound. By the 1950s, her drug abuse, drinking, and relationships with abusive men caused her health to deteriorate. She died with $0.70 in the bank and $750 (tabloid fee) on her person. Carl Van Vechten March 23, 1949.

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January 13th, 2021

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