Product Description

Billie Holiday was one of the most inspiringly talented singers of the 20th century, appreciated not just in the world of jazz, but by music lovers across the whole musical spectrum. Stuart Nicholson successfully describes the complexities of Holiday's personality, her art and her times in this well-written and original biography. Acclaimed as 'Notable Book of the Year' by the New York Times it is a gripping insight in to the life and music of Billie Holiday, who was without doubt a phenomenon of American culture.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #550996 in Books
• Published on: 1996-07-25
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

About the Author
Reissued in stunning new cover, to match the new edition of Nicholson's Billie Holiday 'This biography is a model not only of research, but of musical insight' Observer 'Just to state that this book is a full account of this splendid lady's life and times barely hints at the depth and detail which the indefatigable Nicholson has unearthed . . . A triumph' Crescendo & Jazz Music 'When it comes to the music Nicholson is right on' Washington Post Nicholson is a shrewd critic, handling the roll-call of names from bebop and beyond with care and judgement . . . his discography is exemplary' The Times 'Knocks spots off earlier attempts at Ella's biography' The Wire

Customer Reviews

A sorry tale of self destruction through alcohol & drugs
Billie Holiday changed the sound of "jazz" music and decades later people still collect her recordings. I have to admit myself I am not personally a big fan of Miss Holidays recordings, but, her life story and hardships endured is well worth reading about. Not only did she have to overcome the racial issues that abounded at that time, but she tried desperatley (and ultimately failed time and time again) to overcome her booze and drug addictions. Many people may relate her life story when they think back to the Diana Ross film version of "The Lady Sings The Blues". The musical element contained within the pages of this book can become slightly confusing to an untrained musical reader, but it is worth perservering with to discover the trials and tribulations that Billie Holiday faced. After reading the book I could understand why she was simple known as THE LADY SINGS THE BLUES.