BILLIE HOLIDAY

DIVA JOAN CARTWRIGHT

  • Born in Baltimore, MD, on April 7, 1915

  • Internationally known as "Lady Day" Performed with Lester "Prez" Young

  • Recorded with Teddy Wilson from 1935 to 1939

  • In 1937, she worked with Count Basie

  • With Artie Shaw in 1938

  • 40's and 50's she sang in theaters and clubs from Cafe Society to the Apollo

  • First black woman to appear in Carnegie Hall

  • Battle with narcotic addition led to her death at 44 in 1959

  • Popularized "Strange Fruit" and "God Blessed The Child"

  • Died July 17, 1959