
Singer
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday was born on April 7, 1915 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She recorded her first major hit the year she turned 20, and recorded 'Strange Fruit' the year she turned 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.
Billie Holiday was born on April 7, 1915 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and died on July 17, 1959 at the age of 44. Billie would be 111 years old today.
Billie Holiday would be 111 years old in 2026 and would have turned 111 on April 7, 2026. Billie Holiday's age in every year ↓
Born
April 7, 1915
Died
July 17, 1959
World pop. at birth
~1.8B
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 (the year she turned 20), but hadn't yet recorded 'Strange Fruit' (the year she turned 24).
Are you older than them?
oldest → youngestBillie's age vs family
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 turned 18 in 1933: First recordings with Benny Goodman. 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 turned 20 in 1935, the year she recorded her first major hit. 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 turned 24 in 1939, the year she recorded 'Strange Fruit'. 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 turned 25 in 1940, the year she became a prominent figure in jazz. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'God Bless the Child'
Billie Holiday turned 26 in 1941, the year she released 'God Bless the Child'. 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 turned 27 in 1942, the year she released 'Lady in Satin'. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Recorded 'Lover Man'
Billie Holiday turned 29 in 1944, the year she recorded 'Lover Man'. 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 turned 32 in 1947, the year she won the DownBeat Readers Poll. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Carnegie Hall concert
Billie Holiday turned 33 in 1948: Carnegie Hall concert. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Published 'Lady Sings the Blues' autobiography
Billie Holiday turned 41 in 1956, the year she published 'Lady Sings the Blues' autobiography. 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 turned 44 in 1959, the year she passed away. Are you older than Billie was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by year
How old was Billie Holiday in each year?
- 2026
- Billie Holiday would be 111 years old in 2026 and would have turned 111 on April 7, 2026.
- 1935
- Billie Holiday was 19 at the start of 1935 and turned 20 on April 7, 1935. That year, she recorded her first major hit.
- 1939
- Billie Holiday was 23 at the start of 1939 and turned 24 on April 7, 1939. That year, she recorded 'Strange Fruit'.
- 1941
- Billie Holiday was 25 at the start of 1941 and turned 26 on April 7, 1941. That year, she released 'God Bless the Child'.
- 1942
- Billie Holiday was 26 at the start of 1942 and turned 27 on April 7, 1942. That year, she released 'Lady in Satin'.
- 1944
- Billie Holiday was 28 at the start of 1944 and turned 29 on April 7, 1944. That year, she recorded 'Lover Man'.
- 1947
- Billie Holiday was 31 at the start of 1947 and turned 32 on April 7, 1947. That year, she won the DownBeat Readers Poll.
- 1956
- Billie Holiday was 40 at the start of 1956 and turned 41 on April 7, 1956. That year, she published 'Lady Sings the Blues' autobiography.
Billie Holiday's age in every year
Ages change on April 7: the first number is before that birthday, the second after it.
- 19150 years old
- 19160 → 1 years old
- 19171 → 2 years old
- 19182 → 3 years old
- 19193 → 4 years old
- 19204 → 5 years old
- 19215 → 6 years old
- 19226 → 7 years old
- 19237 → 8 years old
- 19248 → 9 years old
- 19259 → 10 years old
- 192610 → 11 years old
- 192711 → 12 years old
- 192812 → 13 years old
- 192913 → 14 years old
- 193014 → 15 years old
- 193115 → 16 years old
- 193216 → 17 years old
- 193317 → 18 years old
- 193418 → 19 years old
- 193519 → 20 years old
- 193620 → 21 years old
- 193721 → 22 years old
- 193822 → 23 years old
- 193923 → 24 years old
- 194024 → 25 years old
- 194125 → 26 years old
- 194226 → 27 years old
- 194327 → 28 years old
- 194428 → 29 years old
- 194529 → 30 years old
- 194630 → 31 years old
- 194731 → 32 years old
- 194832 → 33 years old
- 194933 → 34 years old
- 195034 → 35 years old
- 195135 → 36 years old
- 195236 → 37 years old
- 195337 → 38 years old
- 195438 → 39 years old
- 195539 → 40 years old
- 195640 → 41 years old
- 195741 → 42 years old
- 195842 → 43 years old
- 195943 → 44 years old


































































