Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Fagan; April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959) was an American jazz and swing singer. Nicknamed "Lady Day" by her friend and musical collaborator Lester Young, she played an important role in the development of jazz and popular singing. Holiday’s vocal style, influenced by jazz instrumentalists, introduced distinctive approaches to phrasing and tempo, and she was recognized for her expressive delivery and improvisational skill. Read more on Last.fm