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Jazz Appreciation Month, Week 1: Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday (April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959) was an American jazz singer and songwriter, and a seminal influence on jazz and pop singing. Known for her ability to mimic jazz instruments with her voice, Holiday pioneered new ways of manipulating phrasing and tempo. More than fifty years after her death, the affectionately nicknamed 'Lady Day' continues to be admired all over the world for her deeply personal and intimate approach to singing.

Watch: Billie Holiday Sings "God Bless The Child"

From Afterglow: Swing It, Lady, Swing: Billie Holiday With the Big Bands



Billie Holiday was very much a vocalist of the big-band era. On the recording "Swing It, Lady, Swing," we can hear Holiday in the studio and on stage with Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Paul Whiteman, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie. This recording also features some of the big-band sides she made for Decca in the late 1940s, as well as a rare concert performance of "I Cover the Waterfront" with Duke Ellington's orchestra. Listen to the program »

Past Shows With Billie Holiday





Enter To Win A Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) Pack



WFIU has partnered with the Indiana Daily Student to give away a JAM pack each week during April. Each JAM Pack includes:

  • Jazz Appreciation Month poster
  • Joe Bourne "Just You and Me" 25th anniversary T-shirt
  • Pair of tickets to the Jazz Fables Concert at Bear's Place on April 29 (Must be 21 to attend)
  • A selected jazz CD


Enter the drawing at All That Jazz Contest (IDSNews.com)

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