Billie Holiday was born Eleanora Harris in Philadelphia on 7 April 1915, the daughter of guitarist Clarence Holiday, a musician best known for his association with Fletcher Henderson..
The wealthy jazz aficionado and record producer John Hammond heard Billie first in 1933 at Monette's Supper Club, a night-spot on 133rd Street in Harlem..
Hammond played a vital role in initiating Holiday's recording career. He secured a recording contract with English Columbia for Benny Goodman in 1933..
These sessions (which stretched to 1942) are arguably Miss Holiday's greatest achievement, her exceptional vocal treatments of standards and pop tunes underpinned by the work of the finest jazz musicians of the swing era..
This beautifully restored collection concentrates on key sides from the Wilson series..