This is my ninth post presenting my previously unpublished research on Billie Holiday. (You can easily find the others by scrolling through previous posts, from the bottom up.) In 2022, my Holiday research won The Virgil Thomson Award for Outstanding Music Criticism. This is my fourth one to focus on details of her music, with more to come, because I was shocked to realize that out of the hundreds of articles and books written about her, none point to specific measures from specific recordings to analyze Holiday’s musical genius. Her music is usually discussed in very general terms, and much of the writing on her is about what she “represents.” But she was a real person, not a symbol—and she was a brilliant musician.
Just finished the Stuart Nicholson bio on Billie Holiday today, this is great timing for me. Nicholson mentions indepth information on her sets from the 40's to her passing, however your insight really adds a fresh perpective. Thanks for including the Oscar Peterson quote, wow! Nicholson's epilogue was very good, in my opinon. I also found his listing of ALL tempos of her recorded material insightful, as well. Sage perspectives presented by you, Dr. Porter. Thank you paying attention to detail and for sharing.
Billie Holiday, The Arranger! Part 1: Overview
Just finished the Stuart Nicholson bio on Billie Holiday today, this is great timing for me. Nicholson mentions indepth information on her sets from the 40's to her passing, however your insight really adds a fresh perpective. Thanks for including the Oscar Peterson quote, wow! Nicholson's epilogue was very good, in my opinon. I also found his listing of ALL tempos of her recorded material insightful, as well. Sage perspectives presented by you, Dr. Porter. Thank you paying attention to detail and for sharing.
Billie also makes suggestions to Ray Ellis in the Lady In Satin sessions.