This Day in History: 1915-04-07

Eleanora Fagan, known professionally as Billie Holiday, is born. An American jazz and swing music singer nicknamed “Lady Day” by her friend and music partner Lester Young, Holiday had an innovative influence on jazz music and popsinging. Her vocal style, strongly inspired by jazz instrumentalists, pioneered a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo. She was known for her vocal delivery and improvisational skills. Learn more.