All about Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday was a famous American singer, known for her beautiful voice and unique style of singing. She was born on April 7, 1915, in a city called Philadelphia. When she was a little girl, life was tough. Her family was very poor, and she didn't get to go to school much.

Even though things were hard, Billie loved music. She listened to records and sang along with them. When she was a teenager, she started singing in clubs in New York City. People loved her voice, and she became very popular.

Billie sang songs that made people feel many emotions. Some of her songs were happy, and some were very sad. One of her most famous songs is called "Strange Fruit," which talks about the hard lives of African-American people.

Billie had some hard times in her life. She faced a lot of challenges because of her skin color, and she had problems with her health. Despite these difficulties, she kept singing and sharing her beautiful music with the world.

Billie Holiday passed away on July 17, 1959, but her music is still loved by many people today. She is remembered as one of the greatest singers of all time.

1. Where was Billie Holiday born?
2. What was the name of one of Billie Holiday's most famous songs?
3. When did Billie Holiday pass away?
4. How did Billie Holiday's music make people feel?
5. Why do you think people still remember Billie Holiday today?

Symbols and Traditions

Hi! My name is Emma, and I am 8 years old. I want to tell you about my amazing trip to Harlem! Harlem is a place in New York City, and it is so cool. Do you know who Billie Holiday is? She was a super famous singer a long time ago, and she sang jazz music. I love music, so I was really excited to learn more about her.

We visited a place called the Apollo Theater. It is a really big and pretty building where Billie Holiday used to sing. When we got there, I saw a big sign with lots of lights. Inside, there were many pictures of Billie Holiday and other famous singers. My favorite part was when we went on a tour and got to stand on the stage where she sang! I felt like a real star.

After the tour, we went to a gift shop and I got a small book about Billie Holiday. I learned that she had a very pretty voice and sang songs that made people happy and sometimes sad. It was so interesting to learn about her life and how she became famous. I had a lot of fun in Harlem and can't wait to go back!

1. Who is the famous singer Emma learned about during her visit to Harlem?
2. What is the name of the theater Emma visited in Harlem?
3. Describe how Emma felt when she stood on the stage at the Apollo Theater.
4. Why do you think Emma enjoyed learning about Billie Holiday's life? Give one reason.
5. If you could visit any place where a famous person lived or performed, where would you go and why?

Profile of Billie Holiday

A Timeline of Billie Holiday to another Festival

After learning all about Billie Holiday, your job is to create a timeline of their life. You should add all the important events in their life but you can be inventive and add some interesting things that people might like to read about. You can make it as simply as you like with pen and paper or you can be very inventive and create a 3D diorama or hanging banner. The sky's the limit - go for it!

Slideshow - Billie Holiday
A full set of teaching plans for Billie Holidayteaching.