With her deep vocals, elegant style, and daring attitude, Holiday&rsquo;s life-long legacy continues to influence 21st century America.

Born in 1915, American <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/burberry-colorsxstudios-celebrate-emerging-musicians" target="_blank" rel="noopener">singer</a> Eleanora Fagan was mostly known by her stage name, Billie Holiday, and nickname, Lady Day. Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, she had an unstable childhood as her mother often left her with relatives as she tried to make a living. Soon, however, she moved with her mother to <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/new-york-fashion-week-fall-winter-2021-highlights" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York City</a> seeking new opportunities. There, Holiday began <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/harry-styles-feather-boa-leather-suit-grammys-performance-watermelon-sugar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">singing</a> at local clubs, making her big debut at 18 years old. Between 1930 and 1940, Holiday&rsquo;s career skyrocketed with emblematic songs like &ldquo;The Very Thought of You&rdquo; (1934) and &ldquo;What a Little Moonlight Can Do&rdquo; (1935).
Despite her mother's absence throughout her early childhood, Holiday&rsquo;s undeniable talent and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/ariana-grande-will-replace-nick-jonas-on-the-voice-season-21" target="_blank" rel="noopener">distinctive voice</a> positioned her as one of the best <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/fendi-juilliard-jazz-anima-mundi-music" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jazz</a> vocalists of all time. Her passion and genius embedded in her musical pieces have transcended time and still, today, continue to influence <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/everything-you-missed-2021-grammys-beyonce-megan-thee-stallion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American music</a>.&nbsp;
Aside from her musical talent, both <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/remembering-american-activist-rosa-parks-best-quotes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">activism </a>and style were prominent traits emblematic of the singer&rsquo;s true essence. Often adorning herself with <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/silk-headscarf-trend-2021-instagram" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gorgeous silk</a> gowns and beautifully crafted <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/princess-diana-kate-middleton-tiara-moments-royal-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">headpieces</a>, Holiday used her voice to speak up about the racial segregation that permeated the country during the &lsquo;50s.&nbsp;
Her song &ldquo;<a href="https://www.biography.com/news/billie-holiday-strange-fruit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Strange Fruit</a>&rdquo;(1939) is an explicit poem and direct expression of political protest against racism that refers to the lynching of African Americans in the segregated South.&nbsp;
Shortly after the song was adopted by activists in the country around 1940, Holiday was targeted by the Federal Department of Narcotics as she became a frequent heroin user. <a href="https://www.hulu.com/movie/the-united-states-vs-billie-holiday-6f7be3b0-69c5-49ab-8472-2b5b1dabcfe8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hulu's&nbsp;</a>recent release, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/andra-day-prada-costumes-united-states-vs-billie-holiday" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The United States vs. Billie Holiday</a>,&nbsp;starring actress <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/andra-day-almost-gave-up-acting-after-billie-holiday-role" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Andra Day,</a> depicts the government&rsquo;s attempts to racialize the war on drugs by framing Holiday with the underlying motive of silencing her.&nbsp;
On what would&rsquo;ve been her 106th birthday, L&rsquo;OFFICIEL remembers the star&rsquo;s music and style legacy.&nbsp;

The singer wears a double-strand pearl necklace paired with a gorgeous, white floral headpiece. 

The singer's most emblematic songs were recorded between 1930 and 1940.

Along with headpieces, fingerless gloves became another one of her signature accessories. The long gloves covered the marks on her arms left from drug use.

In true elegance, the singer wears a heart-neckline gown, embellished with textured appliqué.

The artist was known for performing in impeccably made gowns with handcrafted detailing and silky fabrics. 

Holiday’s unique and deep vocals make her one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. 

The singer adorns herself in exquisite jewels that complement her elegant gown.

Holiday poses next to her beloved dog and most loyal companion, Mister. 

With every performance, Holiday showed the world her deep love for jazz and blues, as her stage presence was characterized by her passionate facial expressions. 

The artist wears her hair styled in an updo, which was another element of her signature look.

Wearing a dotted, green wrap dress, Holiday performs at a Jazz club in NYC. 

Remembering Billie Holiday: Jazz Legend, Activist, and Style Icon

L'OFFICIEL USA December 2024 - Julianne Moore Cover

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Remembering Billie Holiday: Jazz Legend, Activist, and Style Icon

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