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

Born in 1915, American singer 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 New York City seeking new opportunities. There, Holiday began singing at local clubs, making her big debut at 18 years old. Between 1930 and 1940, Holiday’s career skyrocketed with emblematic songs like “The Very Thought of You” (1934) and “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” (1935).

Despite her mother's absence throughout her early childhood, Holiday’s undeniable talent and distinctive voice positioned her as one of the best jazz vocalists of all time. Her passion and genius embedded in her musical pieces have transcended time and still, today, continue to influence American music. 

Aside from her musical talent, both activism and style were prominent traits emblematic of the singer’s true essence. Often adorning herself with gorgeous silk gowns and beautifully crafted headpieces, Holiday used her voice to speak up about the racial segregation that permeated the country during the ‘50s. 

Her song “Strange Fruit”(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. 

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. Hulu's recent release, The United States vs. Billie Holiday, starring actress Andra Day, depicts the government’s attempts to racialize the war on drugs by framing Holiday with the underlying motive of silencing her. 

On what would’ve been her 106th birthday, L’OFFICIEL remembers the star’s music and style legacy.