Billie Holiday (1915-1959), born Eleanora Fagan in Philadelphia but raised in West Baltimore, releases her first hit at 17, “Riffin’ the Scotch,” recorded with Benny Goodman (1909-1986).
After a difficult childhood in Baltimore, during which she was accused of truancy and working in houses of prostitution, Eleanora Fagan moves to Harlem and begins to perform in city clubs. As Billie Holiday, she attracts jazz impresario John Hammond (1910-1987), who produces her first recordings and says, “she’s the first girl singer I’ve come across who sounds like an improvising jazz genius.”
Holiday becomes “Lady Day” and, in spite of personal problems and drug addiction, she goes on to a 30-year international career that, with Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996), influences the new generations of jazz singers. Another innovative Baltimore singer with a national reputation, Ethel Ennis (1932-2019), follows in their tradition.
For More Information
Billie Holiday Center for Liberation Arts – Johns Hopkins University
