Singer
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday was born on April 7, 1915 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She recorded her first major hit at age 20 and recorded 'Strange Fruit' at 24.
Billie Holiday was born in 1915 and lived to age 44. Anyone born before 1915 is older than Billie. Anyone over 44 is older than Billie ever was.
Born
April 7, 1915
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
World pop: ~1.8B
Died
July 17, 1959
World pop: ~3B
Billie's age at death
44
Your age
20
Are you older than Billie Holiday?
No — Billie Holiday was born in 1915. You were born in 2006, making you 91 years younger. Billie lived to age 44. You are currently 20, so you are not yet older than Billie was when she died.
At your age (20), Billie had already recorded her first major hit (at age 20), but hadn't yet recorded 'Strange Fruit' (at age 24).
Billie's Life Timeline
Billie Holiday was born on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She faced a challenging childhood, marked by poverty and instability, which influenced her music and emotional depth. Despite these hardships, she developed a passion for singing and began performing in clubs as a teenager, eventually gaining recognition for her unique vocal style.
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Throughout her career, Billie Holiday achieved significant milestones that cemented her status as a jazz legend. She was 23 years old when she recorded her first major hit, 'What a Little Moonlight Can Do,' in 1935, which showcased her distinctive phrasing and emotional delivery. In 1939, at the age of 24, she recorded 'Strange Fruit,' a powerful protest song against racism that became one of her signature pieces and is still regarded as a pivotal moment in music history.
Billie Holiday's legacy extends beyond her music; she is remembered for her profound impact on jazz and popular music. She continued to perform and record until her health declined in the late 1950s. Billie Holiday passed away on July 17, 1959, at the age of 44, leaving behind a rich catalog of recordings and an enduring influence on generations of artists who followed her.
First recordings with Benny Goodman
Billie Holiday was 18 years old when she first recordings with Benny Goodman in 1933. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Recorded her first major hit
Billie Holiday was 20 years old when she recorded her first major hit, 'What a Little Moonlight Can Do,' in 1935. This song marked her rise to fame and showcased her unique vocal style, which combined emotional depth with technical skill.
Billie Holiday was 20 years old when she recorded her first major hit in 1935. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Recorded 'Strange Fruit'
Billie Holiday was 24 years old when she recorded 'Strange Fruit' in 1939. This haunting song addressed the lynching of African Americans and is considered one of the most important protest songs in American history, highlighting her commitment to social justice.
Billie Holiday was 24 years old when she recorded 'Strange Fruit' in 1939. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Became a prominent figure in jazz
Billie Holiday was 25 years old when she became a prominent figure in the jazz scene, performing at prestigious venues like the Café Society in New York City. Her performances drew critical acclaim and a devoted following, solidifying her place in music history.
Billie Holiday was 25 years old when she became a prominent figure in jazz in 1940. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'God Bless the Child'
Billie Holiday was 26 years old when she released 'God Bless the Child' in 1941. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Lady in Satin'
Billie Holiday was 27 years old when she released 'Lady in Satin' in 1942. This album marked a significant moment in her career, showcasing her emotional vulnerability and artistic evolution, and is now regarded as one of her finest works.
Billie Holiday was 27 years old when she released 'Lady in Satin' in 1942. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Recorded 'Lover Man'
Billie Holiday was 29 years old when she recorded 'Lover Man' in 1944. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Won the DownBeat Readers Poll
Billie Holiday was 32 years old when she won the DownBeat Readers Poll for Best Female Vocalist in 1947. This recognition highlighted her influence and popularity within the jazz community, affirming her status as a leading artist.
Billie Holiday was 32 years old when she won the DownBeat Readers Poll in 1947. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Carnegie Hall concert
Billie Holiday was 33 years old when she carnegie Hall concert in 1948. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Published 'Lady Sings the Blues' autobiography
Billie Holiday was 41 years old when she published 'Lady Sings the Blues' autobiography in 1956. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Passed away
Billie Holiday was 44 years old when she passed away on July 17, 1959. Her death marked the end of a remarkable career, but her music continues to resonate with audiences and inspire artists around the world.
Billie Holiday was 44 years old when she passed away in 1959. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by Year
| Year | Age | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1915 | 0 | |
| 1916 | 1 | |
| 1917 | 2 | |
| 1918 | 3 | |
| 1919 | 4 | |
| 1920 | 5 | |
| 1921 | 6 | |
| 1922 | 7 | |
| 1923 | 8 | |
| 1924 | 9 | |
| 1925 | 10 | |
| 1926 | 11 | |
| 1927 | 12 | |
| 1928 | 13 | |
| 1929 | 14 | |
| 1930 | 15 | |
| 1931 | 16 | |
| 1932 | 17 | |
| 1933 | 18 | first recordings with Benny Goodman |
| 1934 | 19 | |
| 1935 | 20 | recorded her first major hit |
| 1936 | 21 | |
| 1937 | 22 | |
| 1938 | 23 | |
| 1939 | 24 | recorded 'Strange Fruit' |
| 1940 | 25 | became a prominent figure in jazz |
| 1941 | 26 | released 'God Bless the Child' |
| 1942 | 27 | released 'Lady in Satin' |
| 1943 | 28 | |
| 1944 | 29 | recorded 'Lover Man' |
| 1945 | 30 | |
| 1946 | 31 | |
| 1947 | 32 | won the DownBeat Readers Poll |
| 1948 | 33 | carnegie Hall concert |
| 1949 | 34 | |
| 1950 | 35 | |
| 1951 | 36 | |
| 1952 | 37 | |
| 1953 | 38 | |
| 1954 | 39 | |
| 1955 | 40 | |
| 1956 | 41 | published 'Lady Sings the Blues' autobiography |
| 1957 | 42 | |
| 1958 | 43 | |
| 1959 | 44 | passed away |
