BILLIE HOLIDAY

(1915-59) [born Eleanora Fagan] American songwriter and jazz singer, also called "Lady Day". Considered to be the supreme jazz singer of her day, she made recordings with Benny Goodman, Teddy Wilson, and Count Basie. She toured with Count Basie and the Artie Shaw Band. She is admired for her intensely dramatic style of phrasing and diction, the seeming fragility of her voice, and yet its uniquely powerful and moving character.

Lady Day Signed Autograph Letter .

Billie Holiday signs this revealing letter. "Just feel sort of cheap and dirty," writes Holiday in this SIGNED personal letter to "the Jazz Priest," Father Norman O' Connor (1921-2003). He was referred to as "the Jazz Priest " because he had been a jazz musician and incorporated jazz music into his sermons on occasion. She replies on the back of his letter to her. "Louie, [likely Louie McKay whom she married in 1957] I am writing this on the back of my Prests [sic] letter. You know Father O'Connor Boston. I did a very silly thing I toled [sic] you. You reaily [sic] must go for that that I got to say Bitch dont [sic] get me wrong I am not angry Just feel sort of cheap and dirty. I am also sure you dont realy [sic] mean to hurt me other wise I would have made a awful [sic] stink...I am going to make a few changes here. We are still frends [sic] I hope she doesnt [sic] break your heart." She signs, "Lady Day." Holiday writes on the back of the O'Connor's letter which reads, "Billie, Excuse paper - just got a copy of your recording in Columbia with [Ray] Ellis - Wonderful...." He asks how she is and if there is anything he can do and signs, "Father Oc." The album referenced is likely "Lady in Satin" released in 1958 on Columbia Records. Autograph Letter . SIGNED, in pencil on lined yellow paper, on verso of a letter to her, 4 to, n.p., n.d. but ca 1958.

Billie Holiday is an American icon of the music world. Her gifts in singing jazz and blues are legendary, as much for the feelings she put into the songs, as for the songs themselves. She is best remembered for the songs, "Strange Fruit", "Body and Soul" and "Georgia On My Mind". Holiday's letters seldom appear on the market.

Item #2212

Price: $3,800.00