Eleanora Fagan, who was known by the stage name Billie Holiday, lived an exceptional life, but it was hard by any standard. Holiday was a victim of poverty, abandonment, sexual violence, abuse and systemic racism. Even after becoming known throughout the United States, Holiday turnedtodrugsand abusive men who took advantage of her success and wealth. She excelled as a performer, but suffered through her short life, from beginning to end.
By 1947, at her commercial peak, having made $250,000 in the three previous years (3 million today), Holiday was one of the highest earners in American show business. When she died at the young age of 44 she had .70¢ in her bank account and $750 strapped onto her leg. Her life story is intense.
Eleanora Fagan was born in…
