Join us in learning more about the iconic American singer
BY GEORGIA SWEET, IMAGE BY FLICKR
Billie Holiday was an icon in so many ways. She pursued many firsts and she was way before her time. Despite enduring some horrible experiences throughout her life, she still brought joy to others through the beauty of her voice.
Here are some facts that you may not know about this beautiful woman!
Her name was originally Eleanora
She was first named Eleanora Fagan, her grandadās surname, which was then changed to Gough. She finally changed her name to Billie after her favourite singer Billie Dove and took on her blood-related fatherās name.
She was nicknamed āLady Dayā
During her peak in the cabaret industry (1936-1942) as a singer, she was well known for her association with saxophonist Lester Young who gave her the nickname.
She was on a reality show
It was called The Comeback Story where celebrities shared their stories on how they became successful. She debuted on the third episode of the series in 1953.
She dropped out of school in 5th grade
This led her to become an errand girl in a brothel for money. After she moved to Harlem with her mother, she was arrested for prostitution.
Her most famous song is Strange Fruit
In 1939 she recorded a very powerful protest song about the issues of racial violence and discrimination against African Americans.
She was openly bisexual
Although deemed unacceptable at the time, when she served a prison sentence she had relations with the other woman inmates. She was known to have relationships with socialite Louise Crane and bi actress Tallulah Bankhead.
Her signature hairstyle with the gardenia was actually due to an accident
She burnt a patch of hair off with a curling iron whilst getting ready for a show, so her friend went and brought a gardenia to cover the patch. She liked the look so much she carried on wearing it for her other shows. Pro tip if anyone burns their hair off.
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