Billie Holiday, (1915 - 1959) is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential American jazz singers. She was, except as Billie Holiday, also known by the nickname Lady Day which tenor saxophonist Lester Young had given her. Holiday, in turn, was responsible for Youngs nickname Pres or Prez (short for President).
Important albums:
1950 Billie Holiday Sings
1950 Billie Holiday, Vol. 1
1950 Billie Holiday, Vol. 2
1953 An Evening with Billie Holiday
1954 Billie Holiday, Vol. 3
1954 Lady Sings the Blues
1955 Music for Torching
1955 All or Nothing at All
1956 Songs for Distingué
1956 Jazz Recital
1956 Velvet Moods
1956 A Recital by Billie Holiday
1957 Body and Soul
1958 Lady in Satin