Billie Holiday — Timeline
Key moments in the life of Billie Holiday.
1915
Born Eleanora Fagan in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 7
1929
Began singing professionally in Harlem nightclubs at age 14
1933
Made her first recordings with Benny Goodman, launching her recording career
1939
Performed 'Strange Fruit' at Café Society in New York, a powerful anti-lynching protest song
1944
Appeared in the film 'New Orleans,' one of her first major film roles
1947
Arrested on drug charges, marking the beginning of legal troubles that would follow her
1956
Released her autobiography 'Lady Sings the Blues,' detailing her life and career
1959
Performed at Carnegie Hall, one of the most prestigious venues in America
1972
Died on July 17 in New York Hospital from cirrhosis at age 44
1987
Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as a jazz legend