5 Best Billie Holiday Songs You Should Listen To Today!

One of the most loved and respected names in the world of music, Billie Holiday is counted among the top jazz singers of all time. She was born Eleanora Fagan on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia. Adopting the professional name of Billie Holiday, she went on to sing some of the greatest jazz hits throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Her influence on the musical history of jazz and swing music in USA is remarkable and irreplaceable.

Also known as “Lady Day”, Holiday is one of the most popular jazz artists to date. Here, we take a look at some of her best songs.

Blue Moon

Written by Rodgers and Hart, “Blue Moon” is popularly associated with the Audrey Hepburn classic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. But the actual song has been around since decades before that. The 1952 version of “Blue Moon” sang by Billie Holiday is one of the most successful recordings of this song. A standard jazz ballad, her lilting voice matches the levity of the lyrics well. Holiday adopts an improvised singing style for this track, tweaking some of the melody that perfectly suits her coquettish delivery.

Billie’s Blues

One of the most landmark songs in Lady Day’s colorful discography, “Billie’s Blues” is written by the singer herself. Also known as “I Love My Man”, the lyrics of the song gives listeners a sneak peek into her personal life. Holiday battled with many abusive relationships in her life and this song talks of the unbreakable spirit of a woman who is done putting up with these toxic men. Characterized by some splendid musical arrangements, Holiday infused her remarkable spunk into this track. Holiday also recorded a slower, sorrowful version of this song in 1944 with Eddie Heywood & His Orchestra, which is perhaps one of the best renditions of this song.

Them There Eyes

While Holiday was known for her soulful slow ballads, her rendition of “Them There Eyes” is one of the most dance-worthy songs in her career. She has sung this song in a cheery and flirtatious way, which makes the listeners fall in love with her voice. Her voice is interspersed with the surprising sound of trumpets, which all builds up to an ultimate call and response between her and the band. The 1949 recording with Sy Oliver & His Orchestra is the best version sung by Lady Day.

You’re My Thrill

Composed by Jay Gorney, “You’re My Thrill” is one of the most memorable tracks by Holiday. Her subtle singing style is balanced delicately with the orchestra on this track. With dramatic string crescendos and woodwind lines, Gordon Jenkins conducts the orchestra skilfully to deliver a magical track. The 1946 recording of this song stands out as a definite departure from the jazz bands of those days. Some have called the slight change of sound more commercial.

Strange Fruit

If you want to describe Holiday’s legacy in swing music in USA, the 1939 song “Strange Fruit” is undoubtedly that one track. Penned down by Abel Meeropol, the song bravely tackles the subject of Southern lynchings. It is counted among the first racism protest songs to be recorded commercially. Holiday first sang the song at Café Society in Greenwich Village, New York. Due to the song’s controversial nature, the singer had to face a lot of difficulty in finding a recording label. Finally, Milt Gabler of Commodore Records agreed to release the track after hearing Holiday’s a cappella performance of the song which is believed to have brought him down to tears. Lady Day displays firm purpose and resolute bravery while singing “Strange Fruit” and her poignant voice gives the song a timeless meaning. The track was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Conclusion

Billie Holiday, along with Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, is counted as the original trifecta of Jazz Queens. Lady Day’s legacy and influence on swing music in USA cannot be listed down in just a few tracks. But the given five songs hold a special place.