Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan Gough on April 7, 1915 in Baltimore, Maryland, was a pioneering jazz singer who revolutionized American pop vocals by infusing intense personal feeling into classic blues. Influenced by artists like Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong, Holiday developed a highly stylized and individualistic singing style that set her apart from her contemporaries. Despite facing personal struggles and a turbulent life, her technical expertise and emotionally charged performances, including hits like "Lover Man" and "Strange Fruit," solidified her reputation as one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century.

Holiday's career began in the early 1930s, gaining recognition in New York City clubs before recording her commercial debut in 1933. Throughout the '30s and '40s, she collaborated with notable musicians like Lester Young and Count Basie, producing acclaimed recordings and memorable performances. Despite personal challenges, including substance abuse and legal troubles, Holiday continued to captivate audiences with her unique voice and profound interpretations of jazz and blues standards. Her legacy endures through her influential recordings and posthumous recognition as a seminal figure in American music history.