Name: Billie Holiday: The Last Interview: and Other Conversations
Brand: Billie Holiday

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

9781612196749

Colour

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format Books US

Paperback

Format detail

Limited edition

Release date

2019-07-30

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Rando­m Hou­se

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

Artist

Billie Holiday

Genre US

Jazz

Label US

Melville House

Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan, was an iconic American jazz singer and songwriter. With her soulful voice and unique phrasing, she became one of the most influential vocalists in the history of jazz music. Known for her emotionally charged performances, Holiday's songs often explored themes of love, heartbreak, and social injustice.
Raised in a troubled environment, Holiday found solace in music from a young age. She began singing in Harlem nightclubs before catching the attention of record producer John Hammond. Her career took off with hits like "Strange Fruit," which addressed racial inequality.
Despite facing personal struggles and battling addiction throughout her life, Billie Holiday left an indelible mark on the world of music. Her distinctive style continues to inspire generations of artists today.

Newest Listed Items

The first-ever collection of interviews with the tortured but groundbreaking singer Billie Holiday, part of Melville House’s beloved Last Interview series

Legendary singer Billie Holiday comes alive in this first-ever collection of interviews from throughout her career. Included is her last interview, given from her deathbed in a New York City hospital, where police were standing by ready to arrest her for a parole violation should she recover. Also included: The transcript of an interrogation by a US Customs official questioning about whether she'd violated her parole by using drugs on a foreign tour. 

But the book is more than a look at just the famously tragic side of her life. In other conversations, drawn from music magazines, late-night radio programs, and newspapers across the US and Canada, she discusses her childhood, musicians who influenced her, her friendship -- and falling out -- with the influential sax player Lester Young, why she chose the gardenia as her symbol, why she quit Count Basie's band, her substance abuse problems, writing songs and whether she wrote her own memoir, and more. 

In frank and open conversations, Billie Holiday proves herself far more articulate, aware, intelligent, and even heroic than the way she's often portrayed. This collection is an essential volume for all who have been moved by her music.

Billie Holiday: The Last Interview: and Other Conversations

Books US

Discover Billie Holiday: The Last Interview: and Other Conversations by Billie Holiday. Legendary singer's interviews from throughout her career, offering a unique insight into her life and music. Available in book format from Melville House.