"Easy Living" is a popular jazz standard that has been performed by many artists, including Billie Holiday. While "Easy Living" is not directly associated with Billie Holiday herself, here are some interesting facts about Billie Holiday:
Early Life: Billie Holiday was born Eleanora Fagan on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. Her difficult childhood included a troubled family life and a stint in reform school.
Stage Name: She adopted the stage name "Billie Holiday" after the famous actress Billie Dove and her father, Clarence Holiday, a jazz guitarist.
Influential Jazz Singer: Billie Holiday is often regarded as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. Her unique phrasing, emotive delivery, and ability to convey deep emotion through her singing made her a jazz icon.
Strange Fruit: One of her most famous songs is "Strange Fruit," a haunting and powerful protest song against racism and lynching in America. The song's stark lyrics and emotional impact made it a significant cultural and political statement.
Drug Addiction: Billie Holiday struggled with drug addiction throughout her life, which had a detrimental impact on her career and health. She was arrested multiple times for drug-related offenses.
Tragic Love Life: Her personal life was marked by tumultuous relationships and heartbreak, including her marriage to Louis McKay, who was abusive and also involved in her drug addiction.
Autobiography: Billie Holiday's autobiography, titled "Lady Sings the Blues," was published in 1956. It offered a candid look into her life, including her struggles with addiction.
Death and Legacy: Billie Holiday passed away on July 17, 1959, at the age of 44, due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver. Despite her short life, her influence on jazz and popular music endures, and she remains an icon of jazz and the fight for civil rights.
While "Easy Living" is a notable jazz standard, it is just one of the many songs that Billie Holiday performed during her illustrious career, which spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on the world of music.