Billie Holiday – The Hits

Billie Holiday, arguably the most famous voice in the history of vocal jazz, is the epitome of style. Born in a poor Baltimore neighborhood to two teenage parents, Billie turned to music to make a living. At age 15, after moving to New York City with her mother, she began singing for tips in Harlem nightclubs. At 18, record producer John Hammond discovered her in a club and took her under his wing. She quickly became one of the most sought-after singers around, performing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and eventually with Count Basie and Artie Shaw. Her frequent musical colleague and good friend, tenor saxophonist Lester Young, gave her the nickname "Lady Day."