Billie as a little girl about two years old. Taken in Baltimore where she had her dreadful childhood. Notice the big white bow in her hair. Or is it the gardenia?

Billie as teenager at the age of 17 on the beach, summer 1932. Probably Conney Island, NYC. This is one of the only photographs showing her as a teenager at leisure. In about a year, she would begin her recording career.

This probably is the first publicity shot ever taken of Billie Holiday in the early thirties. This picture is taken by Nasid in New York City.

Billie as she looked while she was working at her first movie appearance 'Symphony in Black'. In this musical short she has a brief scene in which she is accompanied by Duke Ellington. In fact she appeared as an extra in the 1933 Paul Robertson film 'Emperor Jones'.

Billie singing 'Big City Blues' in the musical short 'Symphony in Black'. She was featured with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The film was shoot at the Paramount Film Studios, Astoria, Long Island, New York.

Billie returns for the second time to the Apollo Theatre, as featured vocalist with Ralph Cooper's Big Band. The whole cast is held over for a second week after doing stand-out business. Billie made her debut at this famous Theatre on 23rd. November 1934, working as a duo with her then lover, Bobbie Henderson.

Poster of her concert in Apollo Theatre, NYC, as featured vocalist with Ralph Coopers Big Band (april 12, 1935)

Actually these pictures are taken by the late Timme Rosenkrantz behind the Apollo Theatre, August 1935. Billie was featured at the Apollo and was accompanied by Willie Bryant & His Band. In this band Teddy Wilson played piano. Billie was billed as Billie Halliday. On the group picture Billie is seen with Ben Webster (her then lover), Ram Ramirez (co-composer of Lover Man), Johnny Russell and a man called 'Shoebrush'.

This glamorous picture is taken in the early thirties when she was working in the small night clubs in Harlem.

Billie with journalist writer Ben Thomas. For a brief time in the mid-1930s he dated Billie Holiday.

This picture shows Billie on tour with the Count Basie Band. She's waiting for the bus with Count Basie and Jo Jones. This picture probably taken in spring 1937. The road sign shows that the picture is taken somewhere around 'Pevely', Missouri. But it is unknown when and in which place she actually performed at that time.

This picture is taken while Billie was the girl singer with the Count Basie Band. Her she is at the Savoy Ballroom. Also in the group are Bob Bach, Dave Tough, Eddie Stein and companion, Mrs. Dave Tough and Ruby Helena. Ruby Helena was living with Billie and Sadie and was often referred to as Billie's sister.

Billie Holiday on the cover of 'Flash Magazine' dated 3rd. May 1937.

Billie and the Basie Band commence a week at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

Billie in action in front of the Count Basie Band during their two-week stint at Frank Dailey's Meadowbrook Lounge in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. On the last night the CBS broadcast direct from the club is recorded by John Hammond. Billie sang 'I Can't Get Started'. Probably this picture is taken on that last night of their engagement.

Billie and the Basie Band begin a week at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Also on the bill were Butterbeans & Susie, the Three Miller Brothers, Big Time Crip, Hilda Rogers, Paul Bass, Honey Brown, John Mason and John Vigal.

Poster from the concert on january 16, 1938, of Billie's appearance in the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, NYC. Source: Lady Day's Diary, Ken Vail, Castle Com. 1996.

Publicity shot taken probably in February 1938 while Billie was still working with the Basie Band.

The closing night at the Apollo is also Billie's last engagement with the Basie Band. She leaves after the final show. It is not sure that this picture is actually taken on the last day. But according to the source this photograph is taken at the Apollo in 1938. In 1938 she appeared at this theatre just once and that was with Count Basie.

Billie with Artie Shaw and the Orchestra at the Roseland State Ballroom in Boston.

Billie with Artie Shaw and the Orchestra at the Million Dollar Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey.

On Friday 30th. December 1938 Café Society opens in Sheridan Square, Greenwich Village, New York City. The club is owned by Barney Josephson and the entertainment is organized by John Hammond. Billie is the star attraction. For the first few days, Billie is accompanied by Billy Kyle, but he is soon replaced by Sonny White. Billie became a big star during this engagement and she stayed at the Café Society till 10th. August 1939.

Billie Holiday performing at Café Society. This picture is taken probably in February 1939.

These photographs are taken at the 'Friday Club' at the Park Lane Hotel on 24th. February 1939.

Advertisement of an one week engagement with Benny Carter at the Howard Theatre in Washington.

Recording session for Milt Gabler's Commodore label at World Broadcasting Studio, 711 Fifth Avenue, New York City. During this session she recorded two of her famous songs; 'Strange Fruit' and 'Fine and Mellow'. A school teacher named Lewis Allen approaches Barney Josephson, owner of Café Society, with a set of lyrics he has adapted from his poetry. It is set to music and Josephson suggests to Billie that she might sing it in the show. She agrees, and 'Strange Fruit' quickly becomes a big hit with the Café Society patrons. John Hammond refuses to record it for Columbia, but gives permission for Billie to record it with Milt Gabler on Commodore.

Billie Holiday at Café Society.

Billie Holiday at Café Society.

At the end of June 1939, begin of July 1939 Billie wrote a letter to an English fan, the bass player Jack Surridge. She also sent him a picture of hers with autograph.

Life Magazine organized a Jam Session and it was put together by Eddie Condon and Ernie Anderson. It took place in Burris Jenkins studio at W72nd. Street and Riverside Drive, in August 1939.

Billie singing in the Off Beat Club in Chicago. She performed there from 15th. September till 23rd. September 1939.

Billie returned to Chicago for another two weeks at the 'Off Beat Club', this time backed by Jimmy McPartland's Band. Billie Holiday in this shot snapped at the 'Off Beat Club' with Dave Matthews, alt-saxophonist and Vido Musso.

Billie at Café Society with friend and pianist Hazel Scott and owner Barney Josephson.

Billie probably at her last studio session in 1939 when she recorded the classic 'The Man I Love'.

Billie drinking gin in her dressing room. These pictures are possibly taken in 1940.

Billie attends a birthday party for Inez Cavanaugh at the Golden Gate Ballroom on W135th. Street in Harlem with Lester Young, Count Basie, Sonny White and Clark Monroe.

Recording session as Billie Holiday and her Orchestra in New York.

1940's swing team.

Live at the Apollo, NYC.

These publicity shots are taken in 1941 but the exact date is unknown. They were taken by the photographer Murray Korman.

According to some sources these pictures show Billie Holiday singing in front of a microphone at a Sunday afternoon jam session at Ryan's on 52nd Street, New York City on 26th. January 1941. The mike, the dress and the back-ground are the same! There is only a difference in the hat and the jewelry she is wearing. Probably these pictures are taken at the club 'Kelly's Stable' where she performed from Christmas 1940 till 12th. June 1941. Later she returned at this club in Februari 1943.

This picture is possible taken in April 1941. Exact date, occasion and place are unknown.

According to the youth of Billie's face this picture must be taken before 1944. In the thirties and early forties there were some occasions where Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday appeared together. Therefore this picture could be from Sunday 2nd. February 1941 Billie and Louis at the Paramount Theatre NYC. Or this picture is taken at Loew's State Theatre, Times Square, NYC. Thursday 3rd. April to Wednesday 9th.April 1941. Billie was added as an ' Special Added Attraction' for a week. Billie doubles at Kelly's Stable throughout the Loew's State engagement.

Billie Holiday with her mother Sadie Harris together in a 52nd. Street Club, probably Kelly's Stable. Billie performed there from Christmas 1940 till about Thursday 12th. June 1941.

Cover of the sheet music of her own composition of 'God Bless the Child'.

Poster for the one week engagement in the revue 'Mr Washington goes to town' with Chrstopher Columus and his Band, the Three Peters Sisters, Peg Leg Bates and Pigmeat Markham at june 13th 1941.

Billie spends three weeks hanging out with Jimmy Monroe at his brother Clark Monroe's Uptown House, 134th Street. She sits in regularly with the house band led by Floyd 'Horsecollar' Williams. On a unknown date in June Billie is recorded at the club by Jerry Newman. The live takes of songs survived 'I Cried For You' and 'Fine and Mellow'. Probably these pictures are taken at the Uptown House.

Billie with an admirer backstage at probably 'The Famous Door'.

Billie opens at the Famous Door on 52nd. street with Babe Russin's Group. His brother Jake accompanied her on the piano. This is a picture of the two, possibly taken during the period they played together.

Newspaper press cuttings of the opening of the 'west coast edition' of the Café Society on october 1st 1941. Business is poor and the club folds after a few weeks.

Billie with her husband Jimmy Monroe. Billie and Jimmy got married in Elkton, Maryland on 25th. of August 1941. It is not sure that this picture is actually taken at that occasion. It is said that the wire-haired terrier, Moocho, was a present that Lady got from Lester Young.

Billie with a fan backstage probably at the Café Society Los Angeles.

Billie Holiday, portrait of Lady Day as Harlem Royalty. (Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture, Morgan and Marvin Smith, 1942).

Billie Holiday singing at the Colonial in Montreal, Canada. Sometime in early January Billie suddenly leaves the Famous Door to take a job in Montreal. Nobody knows why she suddenly takes off in the middle of a successful engagement.

From april 10 to april 16 Billie plays at the Apollo. The Amateur Hour at the Apollo is braodcasr on station WMCA. Billie is probably accompanied by Benny Carter and his Band.

Difficult to find a date for this picture but according to her face and dress is could be in the summer of 1942. It is the only picture that Billie is singing into a 'golf-ball' shaped microphone. Maybe this photograph is taken at Billy Berg's Trouville Club in West-Hollywood.

Billie opened at Joe Sherman's Garrick Stage Bar in Chicago opposite of Henry 'Red' Allen and his orchestra for a three month stay. The opening night is a sell out. On this picture Kenny Clarke(d), General Morgan (b), J.C. Higginbotham (tb) and Red Allen (tp).

Picture probably taken at Garrick StageBar Chicago.

Here's a unique shot of Billie Holiday, who is continuing to lure hepsters to the Garrick Stage Bar in Chicago with her sultry songs!.

Billie with an unknown fan(s) while she was performing Garrick Stagebar, Chicago. From august 1942 till december 1942 she is resident at this club accompanied by Henry 'Red' Allen and his orchestra.

This photograph shows Billie entertaining the troups with the Dick Maines Orchestra. The notes on this pictures says: 'Billie Holiday worked with us at Fays Theatre in Philadelphia and Apollo Theatre in Harlem New York. This picture is taken in Philadelphia at colored canteen for soldiers.1943 Sang with Artie Shaw and Chick Webb Orchestras.'. Photograph by Mosl, Philadelphia.

Billie back at Kelly's Stable in February 1943. Or maybe this picture is taken during her long stay at the Onyx Club. Billie appeared at the Onyx from June 1943 till April 1944.

In June 1943 Billie starts a long engagement at the Club Onyx on 52nd. Street. Here she is visited at the club by Count Basie and Henry Woode. This picture is taken probably during summer of 1943.

In the last week of September 1943 Life magazine sponsors a Jam Session in the studio of photographer Gjon Mili at 6 E23rd. Street New York City. Many great jazz musicians were present including Duke Ellington, James P. Johnson, Mary Lou Williams, Teddy Wilson, Sid Catlett, Jess Stacey, Eddie Condon and many more. The music is recorded for possible issue on V-discs but is never released. Billie's photographs were published in a center spread of October 11th. issue of Life Magazine.

Billie at the Café Society somewhere in 1944. Dorothy Donegan, Billie, Irene Kitchings, Kenny Clarke. Donegan like Kitchings began their musical careers in Chicago. Donegan was a very good pianist who also sang and became a popular lounge entertainer. 'Klook' the pioneering bebop drummer, looks pleased to be surrounded by such talented women.

This publicity photograph is probably taken in 1944. Lady grabbed young Bobby Tucker off 52nd. Street to play for her in the late 1946's, and she inscribed this photo to him.

Glamorous publicity shot probably taken in 1944. She is wearing a big white artificial flower in her hair. She also wears this during the first Esquire Concert at the Metropolitan Opera House on 18th. January 1944.

These pictures are taken during the Esquire First Annual Jazz Concert at the Metropolitan Opera House on 18th January 1944. Billie won the vocalist section with 23 votes in front of Mildred Bailey and Ella Fitzgerald. This was Billie's first major concert appearance, and she becomes the first black woman to sing on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House. The complete concert is recorded.

Backstage probably at the Onyx Club with two admirers and her dog the wire-haired terrier Moocho.

Billie with Billy Ecstine and friends at the Club Onyx on 52nd. Street. In April 1944 Billie was Billy's guest star at Billy Eckstine's Monday Night Celebrity Party at the Yacht Club on 52nd. Street.

Billie Holiday with (left to right) Floyd 'Horse Collar' Williams, Frankie Newton and George Jenkins. This photograph should be taken at the 'Ken Club' in Boston in 1944. But there is no evidence that Billie actually worked there at that time.

Billie Holiday with Billy Eckstine. Billie was the guest star at Billy Eckstine's Monday Night Celebrity Pary at the Yacht Club on 52nd. Street. Joe Marsala and Lester Young were also there along with the resident Yacht Club Band, the Dizzy Gillespie/Budd Johnson Quintet.

Billie with unknown friend. Picture probably taken while working at the Ruban Blue from May till June 1944.

Billie with Frank Sinatra at the Club Onyx on 52nd. Street.

These famous Holiday pictures are taken in August 1944 by Robin Carson. He was a highly rated photographer in the 1940's.

Billie Holiday with Toots Camarata during the recording session of Wednesday 4th. Ocotober 1944. Milt Gabler was the producer and he gave Billie the string section she had asked for. It was her first Decca date when she recorded her famous 'Lover Man'.

On November 10th. Billie closes at the Downbeat Club.Here's an interesting shot of the new, stream-lined Billie Holiday, taken while she was co-featured with the Red Norvo combo at the Downbeat Club on 52nd. Street. Photo by Red Wolfe.

Billie Holiday with Roger 'Ram' Ramirez, the co-composer of Holiday's greatest hit 'Lover Man'. This picture is probably taken during the holiday season while Roger Ramirez was on leave or was due to be drafted to Europe.

Billie appears at the Apollo Theatre for a one-week engagement. She is backed by Hot Lips Page and his Orchestra. The radio broadcast via station WMCA on 6th. December 1944 survived.

Between shows, Billie obliges a photographer with a shot of her with an unknown performer, perhaps in a comedy or some silly 'jungle' skit. Exact date and place unknown.

Billie appeared at the Esquire Second Annual Concert. This time from the stage of the Philharmonic Hall in Los Angeles. She was accompanied by Duke Ellington and his orchestra. The complete concert is recorded. Billie with her friend, the Jazz critic Leonard Feather waiting to get on stage. Billie singing into the microphone during the Esquire Second Annual Jazz Concert. She is accompanied by Duke Ellington and sings two songs; 'Lover Man' and 'I Cover the Waterfront'.

Billie with her lover, drugs supplier, trumpeter Joe Guy during the Jazz at the Philharmonic concert at the Philharmonic Hall in Los Angeles. She sang 'Fine and Mellow' and 'Squeeze Me' but unfortunately both takes have disappeared.

Billie appears in a Jazz at the Philharmonic Concert at the Philharmonic Hall in Los Angeles. Also on the bill are Gene Krupa, Willie Smith and Illionois Jacquet. Probably this picture is taken at that occasion. No recording exists from this concert.

This picture show Billie on stage at the Down Beat Club. She started to work at the Down Beat Club on 52nd Street at 22nd. May 1948 sharing the bill with Sid Catlett's Band and the Al Casey Trio.

Billie with Milt Gabler, who produced Billie records while under contract at Decca. This picture is taken at one of the first recording sessions. This photograph probably is taken in August 1945 when she recorded 'Don't Explain'.

Billie with Archie 'Stomp' Gordon. Stomp Gordon was a piano playing showman who predated Little Richard and Jerry lee Lewis, hammering the keys with his bare feet. Though the band was popular in the central Ohio clubs, Gordon's recording career never matched the success of his live performances and he was reduced to sleeping in his car where he was found dead in 1958. In September 1945 Billie toured Ohio and probably on one occasion they met.

Publicity shot when Billie started to work at the Down Beat Club on 52nd. Street again on 30th. October 1945. She opens with Sid Catlett's Band and the Al Casey Trio. As Al Casey's pianist is unable to read Billie's arrangements, Joe Springer is hired as her accompanist.

Billie with her boxer Mister at home playing and listening records.

Billie Holiday with Sarah Vaughan and Louis Armstrong probably relaxing at the Onyx Club. The exact place and date is uncertain.

In May 1945 Billie opens at the Downbeat Club. She will stay here till the end of June 1946. These pictures are taken during this engagement. Later she returns to this club on 52nd. Street on October 30th. 1946 and stays till 22nd. March 1947.

A snapshot taken of Billie. Probably this picture is taken at the end of 1945.

Billie is placed 2nd. in the Down Beat Poll behind Jo Stafford, but she wins the Metronome Poll, in front of Anita O'Day as best jazz singer of 1945. On this photograph Billie and her dog Mister pop across the street to the Onyx Club to present J.C. Higginbotham with his Down Beat Award for top trombonist of 1945. Henry 'Red' Allen looks approvingly.

Billie appeared at New York's Town Hall in her first solo concert. During the 70 minutes concert Billie sings 18 songs. She was accompanied by Joe Springer (p), Joe Guy (tr), Tiny Grimes (g), Lloyd Trotman (b) and Eddie Nicholson (d). Promoter Greer Johnson remembered: On the way to Town Hall Billie suddenly decided she wanted another dress, that she wanted to wear a second dress for the second half of the concert. Greer said that she didn't have to, that one doesn't at a recital. But Billie insisted and they stopped and bought another dress before heading to Town Hall. These pictures shows Billie at the same mike, with same jewelry and same hairdo, but with a different dress!

Billie at the Decca Studios. On this picture she is seen with pianist Joe Bushkin who was visiting this session. Bushkin never accompany Billie while she was under contract for Decca.

On Thursday 30th. May 1946 Billie opens at the Downbeat Club with a new backing group. Joe Springer (p), Joe Guy (tr), Tiny Grimes (g), Lloyd Trotman (b) and Eddie Nicholson (d). On these pictures they are rehearsing.

Billie performing with her new backing group at the Down Beat. Now she is wearing the same dress as on her concert at Town Hall on 16th. February. Some sources refer as that these pictures are taken at Town Hall. But the background shows that it is definitely that of the Down Beat Club.

Billie with Mister in her dressing room at the Down Beat Club. These pictures are taken by William Gottlieb.

Throughout July and August 1946 Billie is resident at the Downbeat Club with Tiny Grimes and his Trio and Trummy Young.

From 11th. September till end of October 1946 Billie was recording and acting for what became her only full length movie called 'New Orleans'.

From 11th. September till end of October 1946 Billie was recording and acting for what became her only full length movie called 'New Orleans'.

From 11th. September till end of October 1946 Billie was recording and acting for what became her only full length movie called 'New Orleans'.

From 11th. September till end of October 1946 Billie was recording and acting for what became her only full length movie called 'New Orleans'.

These pictures are taken in the dressing room and on stage during her long engagement at 'The Downbeat Club' 52nd.Street NYC. During the stay of 12th. November 1946 Bobby Tucker was drafted to accompany her on piano. Eddie Heywood refused to back Billie.

During the Holiday season, December 1946, Billie and Art Tatum were featured in 'America's greatest show' at the Downbeat Club. Billie was backed by the Lou Mel Morgan Trio and the Al Casey Trio.

Billboard of the Jazz at the Philharmonic Concert at Carnegie Hall. This benefit concert was for the Sydenham Hospital.

Billie and Teddy Wilson receive their Esquire award from Arthur Godfrey on his CBS radio show.

These photographs are taken by William Gottlieb in February 1947 when Billie was working at the Down Beat Club. Her pet boxer Mister is also present. The stamp is based upon these photograph's taken by William Gottlieb.

These stamp is based upon a photograph taken by William Gottlieb in February 1947 when Billie was working at the Down Beat Club.

Billie appears as a surprise guest star at Louis Armstrong's Carnegie Hall Concert.

Billie with Ella Fitzgerald After the 1947 Poll Winners Midnight Concert at Carnegie Hall on Saturday 15th. March 1947. This is just part of the picture that also shows, Miles Davis, Illinois Jacquet and Joe Guy.

Billie held a photo shoot at the hospital. On March 22nd. 1947 the Downbeat closed, because the owner Rudy Breadbar decided to cut his losses and closed the club for the summer. This enforced closure of the Downbeat Club leaves Billie temporarily unemployed. Manager Joe Glaser takes advantage of the unscheduled rest and insists that Billie tries to break her drug habit. Billie entered a new New York clinic, the Park West Hospital in midtown for a $2000 3-week cold-turkey cure.

Billie appears in a Midnight Variety Concert at Town Hall with Bobby Hackett and his Band. Ernie Anderson presented the 'One-Nite Stand A Midnight Variety Concert'. It was sold out!

Poster of the 'Jazz at the Philharmonic' concert.

May 27th. 1947. The charge of 'receiving and concealing a narcotic drug' is read out to Billie in the District Court in Philadelphia. Left to right road manager Jimmy Ascendio, pianist Bobby Tucker and Billie Holiday. On Friday May 16th. after she closed at the Earle Theatre in Philadelphia she found out that her hotel room was raided by narcotics agents and she fled to New York. On May 19th Billie was arrested at Hotel Marden, 142 W44th. Street. She was taken by police to room 32 of the Grampion Hotel on Nicholas Avenue in Harlem where they arrested her lover and drug supplier Joe Guy. At 10.00 a.m. they are both questioned at the Federal Bureau of Narcotics at 90 Church Street, New York City. Billie was released on Bail of $1,000.- but Joe Guy was held. Billie plead guilty was sentenced for one year and a day. On Wednesday 28th. May 1947 Billie entered the Federal Reformatory for Women at Alderson, West Virginia.

Billie's comeback concert at Carnegie Hall. She was released on 16th. March 1948. She performed two concerts which were both an enormous succes. Those pictures are taken on-stage and back-stage after the concert.

A newspaper article from April 1948 in which her appearance in the Mansfield Theatre is mentioned.

This brochure is probably issued after the successful Carnegie Hall Concert on March 27th 1948 and offered to the audience during her second concert on April 17th. 1948. Billie changed from booking agent Joseph Glaser to Ed Fishman in December 1947. Fishman booked her into Carnegie Hall. Due to the huge success the concert was repeated in April 1948. At the back side of this leaflet Fishman's name is printed; inside also pictures of Billie's first Carnegie concert and stills of 'New Orleans' are used. Billie broke the contract with Ed Fishman during her stay in the Mansfield Theatre which started on April 27th 1948 and lasted only one week!

Billie opens at the Mansfield Theatre in the show called 'Holiday on Broadway'. The shows folds after five days.

After the show 'Holiday on Broadway' stopped on 1st. May 1948 Billie started to work illegal at the Ebony Club, despite not having a New York Cabaret Card. She stays at the Ebony from 1st May till 27th. May 1948. She was accompanied by Bobby Tucker on piano and Ted Sturgis on bass. During this stay she had dental problems in her right upper jaw. The club is owned by the gangster John Levy. Billie fell hopelessly in love with him.

Billie opened at the Ebony Club for a 4-week engagement. Bobby Tucker is on piano and Ted Sturgis on bass.

While working at the Club Ebony, Billie is visited by Sarah Vaughn and Mr. & Mrs. Billy Eckstine.

Billie joins in the 70th. birthday celebrations for Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson at the Ebony Club. On this picture Billie dances with 'Mr. Bojangles'. The club Ebony was owned by gangster John Levy, Billie's lover at that time.

Billie working at the Blue Note Club in Chicago during her three weeks engagement opposite the Jimmy McPartland Band. She was accompanied by Marian McPartland on (p), Bud Freeman (ts), Ben Carlton (b) and Chick Evans (d).

These photographs of and on stage are taken during Billie's long stay at the Strand Theatre in New York. In that theatre Billie appeared with the Count Basie band from 4th. July 1948 till 26th. August 1948.

Private photograph taken probably summer 1948.

Billie Holiday and former lover from the Basie Band period, gitarist Freddie Green at the Club Astoria in Baltimore. Billie performed at this club from August 31st.1948 till September 5th. 1948.

Publicity photographs taken probably in September 1948. They are used in the October issue of Metronome Magazine.

Billie working at Club Bali at Washington D.C. for a one week engagement backed by Bobby Tucker, and local musicians, Benny Fonsville (bass) and Al Dunn (drums).

Another two glamorous pictures of Billie taken in 1948. One of them was used on the front cover of Metronome Magazine of October 1948.

Billie appeared on the cover of Metronome magazine and is featured in an article by editor Barry Ulanov, entitled 'Day or Night a Great Lady'

Billie backstage probably at the Silhouette Club in Chicago in November 1948. On the (uncut) photograph also Jimmy Mundy, Robert Scott and Gene Ammons are shown.

This glamour shot is not taken at the actually recording session but probably on Monday 29th. November 1948 while working at Ciro's in Philadelphia. It is during this engagement that Billie first unveils her $10,000 silver blue mink coat.

Billie Holiday and her pianist Bobby Tucker arrive at Long Beach, California for the 'Gene Norman Present Concert'.

Advertisement of ABC

Billie opens at Joe Tenner's Café Society Uptown on Fillmore Street in San Fransisco for a four-week engagement. Crowds flock to see Billie following the publicity of the fracas at Billy Berg's club. Here the singer Mel Tormé pays a visit to his idol, Billie Holiday.

Billie Holiday charged with possession of opium in San Fransisco. Narcotics agents raided Billie's hotel on Taylor Street. A quantity of opium was found and Billie and John Levy were both charged but later released on $500.00 each.

Billie Holiday and John Levy appearing in the San Fransisco Court House for the preliminary hearing.

Billie is indicted by the grand jury; the case against Levy is dropped and he leaves California immediately to avoid being subpoena'ed as a witness. Billie pleads guilty and her lawyer, Jake Ehrlich, tells her that the only way to beat the rap it to take the test. In order to giver her time for detoxification he gets the case deferred pointing out that Billie would suffer serious financial loss if she could not fulfil her contracted engagements. The trial is set for 14th. March. Billie's doctor Dr. Herbert B. Henderson is convinced that Billie is not addicted to hard drugs and sets out to prove her innocence. He arranges for her to be admitted to Belmont Sanatorium and drives her there himself. Billie stays at Belmont for two weeks where it is established that there is no trace of opium found in her body.

On these pictures Billie with her then lover ,the gangster, John Levy. These photographs are probably taken in February or March 1949 while staying at the West Coast. John Levy hated Billie's pet boxer Mister. The big dog was a very unsuitable travel companion and so Billie let the boxer live with Bobby Tucker's mother. Occasionally she 'visited' her old dog. On the second photograph Billie is seen with her new little chihuahua called Chiquita. On 22nd. January 1949 Billie and Levy were arrested on a drug charge. On 11th. February Billie's doctor, Dr. Herbert B. Henderson was convinced that Billie wasn't addicted to hard drugs and sets out to prove her innocence. Her arranges fo rher to be admitted to Belmont Sanatorium and he drove her there himself. On the way they stop at Mountain View where Billie bought herself a tiny chihuahua dog.

Billie played one night stand at the Pershing Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois with Claude McLin and His Orchestra.

Carl van Vechten took these pictures on 23rd. March 1949.

The famous picture taken by Herman Leonard of Billie singing at a club in New York 1949. But Billie couldn't work legally in a night club in New York at that time! In 1949 Billie only was in New York for her recording dates and for some TV appearances. But on 14th. April1949 Billie was in New York and than she attended an opening night of Bob City a new night club on Broadway where Artie Shaw and Ella Fitzgerald were the opening attractions. Maybe she did sang that night! Billie is wearing the same blouse and jewelry, wrist watch and hair dress as she did on the pictures that were taken and used for the Ebony issue of July 1949.

Billie with gangster, manager and lover John Levy.

Cover of famous Ebony Magazine dated July 1949. The interview was printed on pages 26-32. The black and white pictures were made during the interview for Ebony and were published. Billie revived her tradition of publicising imaginary matrimony by telling Ebony Magazine that she and her then lover and manager John Levy had married in January 1949, on the day following her final divorce from Jimmy Monroe. In the same interview, which was headlined 'I'm cured for Good', she also said: 'In John Levy, my personal manager, I have a wonderful friend who has stood by me in all my recent trials. I have turned over my entire life to him, and I think he's managing it all right. I don't know how I'd have survived, without his help and guidance. He knows what I want.'

Billie singing in the mike at a Decca studio session. This picture is possible taken during the hot summer of 1949. In August 1949 Billie had two Decca studio dates.

Holiday during a light moment backstage at the Apollo Theatre with photographer Gordon 'Doc' Anderson. Billie had an engagement from August 19th. till August 25th. She was accompanied by Horace Henderson.

Billie visiting Louis Armstrong in his dressing-room. Exact date and place unknown. Probably end summer 1949. Around this time they appear together in the NBC TV broadcast The Eddie Condon Floor Show and they recorded two songs for Decca on September 30th.

Billie with Louis Armstrong during a Decca recording session. The were accompanied by Sy Oliver and his Orchestra. Together they made two duets 'You Can't Loose A Broken Heart' and 'My Sweet Hunk'O Trash'.

In the first week of October Billie attends the private viewing of an exhibition of paintings by Karl Priebe at the Perls Gallery, 32 E58th. Street, New York City. Karl Priebe, a friend of Carl van Vechten, is specialised in African subjects.

Billie opens at Club Bali in Washington D.C. for a one-week engagement on october 14th. She is accompanied by Horace Henderson. The next day she hurries back to New York. She just in time for the next Decca studio date.

Billie Holiday at Decca Recording Studios in 1949. Probably taken during one of her last recording sessions for Decca in New York.

The cabaret card problem prevents Billie opening at Café Society in New York as planned, so Billie hits the road. By the end of October 1949 she is in Detroit at the Flame Show Bar, backed by Snooky Young Band.

Cover of Down Beat magazine of November 1948.

Private pictures taken towards the end of 1950 while she was living with John Levy.

New Years Eve Billie at the Blue Note in Chicago with her friend Lenny Hobbs. Playing a one-month engagement.

Billie Holiday with children in Kansas, probably taken in 1950.

Exact date is not known but it's said that it must be early 50's. Billie poses with her attorney Walter Gordon in Los Angels Superior Court. Holiday was sued for more than one million dollars damage by a man claiming intellectual property theft of a song. It's a pity that we don't know which song it is all about. Gordon fought and won the case for her (first picture). Walter Gordon and Billie seen soon after the successful outcome of her intellectual property court case. (second picture) Billie gave him the famous 1948 picture and wrote on it: 'To The Best Lawyer And I Do Mean Just That, Walter Gordon'. (third picture)

On February 10th. Billie finds out that there will be two Superior Court Cases against her. The first Ed Fishman's suit for breach of contract; the second Marian Epstein's suit for injuries sustained in Billie's plate-throwing contribution to the Billy Berg débâcle on December 31st. 1948. Finally on February 16th. Billie is able to fly from San Francisco to Los Angeles and makes her court appearance. The first picture is taken while waiting for the trial. The second picture shows Billie Holiday leaving Los Angeles Superior Court after the trial. She had to pay Ed Fishman $2.145 and Marian Epstein $1.540.

Billie spent the week 19-25 August at Universal Studios in Hollywood California working on a musical short featuring the Count Basie sextet, Billie Holiday and Sugar Chile Robinson. Of all of Billie's films that have survived this one is the best. In this picture she sings 'God Bless the Child' and 'Now Baby Or Never'.

These pictures are taken by Bob Willoughby and it shows Billie singing somewhere in Los Angeles in 1951. More information not present at the moment. Billie singing into the mike somewhere in 1951. Exact date and place remains unknown.

During the week of 8-14 March 1951, Billie went to Birdland to hear the gitarist Slim Gaillard. On this photograps she is seen with Sarah Vaughn and Slim Gaillard.

In September 1950 Billie finally broke with John Levy an Mealy Bartholomew helped her with her bookings and general administration. While Billie worked at the Club Juana in Detroit in the spring of 1951 she met Louis McKay. She had known Louis in Harlem in the thirties and within two weeks he became her manager and personal advisor. The exact date of these two pictures is unknown but it shows the couple in a romantic mood.

The happy couple Billie Holiday and Louis McKay. This rare color pictures are probably taken spring 1951. But exact date and place are still unknown.

Billie Holiday playing with a young boy, maybe it is Louis McKay's son. In one hand she is holding her first Chihuahua named Chiquita. These pictures are taken probably Summer 1951.

Billie singing into the mike at the George Wein's Storyville Club in the Copley Square Hotel in Boston. Sharing the same bill with the Stan Getz Quintet.

Billie pictured with George Wein at the Storyville Club in Boston where she opened for one week.

Some private photographs taken at the home of Billie with Louis McKay.

An elegant Lady Day at the piano. Picture taken probably in 1952 while working at the Tiffany Club in Los Angeles. Exact date and place unknown.

Billie opens at the Tiffany Club in Los Angeles on March 18th. 1952 for a two-week engagement backed by Wardell Gray's Group which includes Hampton Hawes (piano) and Chico Hamilton (drums). There's a NBC microphone, maybe some radio recordings still exist.

Billie relaxing in Los Angeles during a visit to Billy Berg's Waldorf Cellar in the company of the Simon Brothers, Maurice and Simon.

Billie went to Birdland for the opening of Count Basie's new big band. Lester Young and his group were also on the bill at Birdland, and Lester was featured in a batle with Basie's new tenor star, Paul Quinichette. This battle was billed as 'Pres versus Vice Pres'.

Billie and Sarah Vaughan appear as guests at the Welcome Home Party for Clarence Robinson & His Tropical Revue at Connie's 5-star Musical Bar, 2283 7th. Avenue at 134th. Street in Harlem. This picture is taken at the party afterwards and it shows pianist Jimmy Jones, Lady Day, Sarah Vaughan and dancer Bobby Johnson.

These pictures were taken by Bob Parent in the Lobby of Hotel Flanders in New York, on November 13th 1952. The next day Billie performed as a special guest during the Duke Ellington's 25th Anniversary Concert at Carnegie Hall.

Billie appears at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 'Duke Ellington's 25th Anniversary in the Music Business'.

Billie attended the performance of Count Basie. George Shearing and Billy Eckstine at Carnegie Hall. On this picture Basie, Holiday and Eckstine are fooling around with Billie's tiny dog Chiquita.

These 'fashion shots' or publicity shots are probably taken at the end of 1952.

Billie outside the Apollo Theatre signing autographs for her fans. In December she had a one-week engagement at the Apollo. On 10th. December the Amateur Hour was broadcasted via station WMCA. Lady sang 'My Man' and 'Tenderly'.

This picture is taken probably early 1953 probably while working at the 'Say When Club' in San Fransisco.

Two more publicity photograph taken by Schaeffer.

Here Billie is on Fillmore Street in San Fransisco with club owner Wesley Johnson Sr. Exact date and the name of the club is unknown. But Billie played in San Fransisco in March 1953.

It is said that this picture is taken while Billie is singing in the 'Hi-Hat' Club in Boston. Sheappeared at this club for the first time from May 18th. till May 24th. 1953. She is wearing the same dress as at the 'Tiffany' club in Los Angeles in March 1952.

Billie with her companion the tiny Chihuahua Chiquita somewhere, some place during the summer of 1953. Later she bought a second chihuahua called Pepe.

In December 1953 Billie stayed on the West Coast. She performed on december 4 in San Fransisco in Joe Tenner's Down Beat Club and in Los Angeles she appeared at the Tiffany Club. During this period she dyed her hair. These pictures show Billie with friends in San Fransisco. On one picture Billie is present with her two Chihuahuas 'Chiquita' and 'Pepe'.

Billie packing to go on tour to Europe.

On January 10th 1954 Billie and the other members of the 'Jazz Club U.S.A.' troupe (Red Norvo, Buddy de Franco, Beryl Booker, Carl Drinkard, Sonny Clark, Red Mitchell, Elaine Leighton and Leonard Feather) board a plane at Idlewild Airport, bound for Stockholm. They Fly to Scotland and then to Copenhagen. This picture is actually taken on January 11th. 1954 in Copenhagen. The plane is grounded in Copenhagen by snow and the troupe have to take a boat to Malmö and a train to Stockholm.

Billie off and onstage in Stockholm. After the second concert in Stockholm Billie was interviewed for a radio program by Olle Helander.

Billie, Louis McKay and singer Inez Cavanaugh arriving in Oslo. 2nd picture Billie backstage in her dressing room in Oslo.

Program of the Jazz Club USA when they performed in Copenhagen, Denmark. 2nd and 3th picture: Billie with her pianist Carl Drinkard in their dressing room in Copenhagen.

Jazz Club USA play in Berlin. The pictures show Billie on and off-stage. 2nd picture: Billie smoking a cigarette in her dressing room in Berlin.

Billie performing in Cologne at the Kölner Messe. The concert was recorded via 'Radio Deutz'. She sang 'Billie's Blues' and 'What a Little Moonlight Can Do' followed by a jam session where she sang 'Lover Come Back To Me'.

On January 31st.1954 Billie appeared in The Hague, Netherlands. This picture suggests the concert might have been recorded. 4th picture: Billie backstage in her dressing room in The Hague, The Netherlands. The climax of the 'Jazz Club USA' concert in The Hague, was the jam session at the end of the show. To surprise and delight Billie was lionized by her fans during the 'Jazz Club U.S.A' tour in Europe. Here she is surrounded by well-wishers as she gives a radio interview to Dutch station Wereld Omroep during her intermission.

JAZZ CLUB USA. Live concert from Salle Pleyel: Billie Holiday, Carl Drinkard, Red Mitchell, Elaine Leighton, Leonard Feather. Salle Pleyel, Rue de Fauburg Saint Honoré, Parijs. Monday 1st. February 1954, 21:00-23:30. The pictures in the white satin dress are taken at the concert in Salle Pleyel. The pictures showing Billie in the dark dress are taken afterwards at the club Trois Mailletz. Before going to London Billie returned to Paris on February 5 till 7 1954 and performed at the Mars Club, Ringside Club and Club Metro.

Billboard when Jazz Club USA played at the Victoria Hall in Geneva, Switzerland.

Billie tried to ski in Lausanne, Switzerland, during her European tour. She also mentions this adventure in her biography 'Lady Sings the Blues'.

On February 8th. Billie finally arrived in England. She was looking forward in doing concerts in Britain. She was accompanied by her friend Louis McKay and her pianist Carl Drinkard. Max and Betty Jones took good care of the couple while travelling and performing in England. Here arriving at Heathrow in London, Carl Drinkard and dancer Taps Miller, who happened to be on the same plane and was searched by customs for drugs.

Billie's opening concert in Britain is at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. Probably these pictures are from that concert. The dress she is wearing was one she used during her European tour. Billie tours the London drinking clubs with Max and Betty Jones. First to the Studio Club in Swallow Street where Billie enjoys the piano playing of Alan Clare. Later they move to the Stork Club where she sings two or three songs with the resident pianist Denny Termer. During this outing Billie, a fervent dog lover, had to hug a little white poodle that crossed her way.

Billie singing at the Trade Hall in Manchester. Pictures 4-6: After Billie's opening concert in Britain at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester she is relaxing with Louis McKay. Picture 7: Billie with a hairdresser in her dressing room in Manchester.

Billie singing her concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London. She was accompanied by Jack Parnell's Band. Picture 5 and 6: Billie in her dressing room after the successful concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London. One of the pictures also shows Betty Jones.

Billie singing her concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London. She was accompanied by Jack Parnell's Band. Picture 5 and 6: Billie in her dressing room after the successful concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London. One of the pictures also shows Betty Jones.

After her stay in London Billie and Louis returned to Paris for a couple of days. In the evening Billie went out with friends and sang some songs at the Ringside Club.

Billie and Louis McKay. This private picture is possible taken spring 1954, after her first European concert.

These pictures are taken at the first New Jazz Festival on Sunday 18th. July 1954. Billie was featured on the final night of the Inaugural Newport Jazz Festival at Newport, Rhode Island. She was accompanied by her 'old pals' Teddy Wilson, Buck Clayton, Lester Young, Gerry Mulligan, Vic Dickenson, Milton Hinton and Jo Jones.

Billie having a break during the record session which was held for Verve in the Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. Norman Granz brought Bobby Tucker back for the session.

Billie rehearsing with Carl Drinkard(p:, Freddie Green(g:, and Eddie Jones on stage of Carnegie Hall.

Billie backstage at Carnegie Hall with Charlie Parker en Tony Scott. The little boy is probably Louis McKay's son. Billie is part of the new Jazz at the Philharmonic troupe, The Birdland All Stars, which opens its fall tour at Carnegie Hall in New York. The Holiday part is recorded completely. Billie sounds tired during her performance. The critics said: 'For Miss Holiday it seemed to be somewhat of an off night.' The whole day Billie had to take care of the little kid who celebrated his birthday. The afternoon she had spent in town buying a birthday present and in the evening she had to attend the party and had to look after the guests before she and her pianist Memry Midgett were put in a taxi to perform at Carnegie. During the way to Carnegie Hall Billie managed to get her hair done and to fix her make-up.

Billie and the Birdland All Stars appear in Boston.

A beautiful Billie performing at some unknown club. The exact date isn't sure but probably it is taken in Philadelphia in 1955.

Billie Holiday singing at Carnegie Hall for Charlie Parker's Memorial Concert.

These pictures are taken probably during Billie's stay at 'Pep's Musical Bar' in Philadelphia where she was accompanied by Milt Buckner and his group. She performed at this club from April 25th till April 30th. 1955. In de fall of 1955 she appeared in various clubs in Philadelphia. The pictures are taken by Chuck Stewart and it's said that they are taken in Philadelphia, 1955.

According to Ken Vail's 'Lady Day's Diary' this pictures is taken in Los Angeles and shows Billie with her pianist Jimmy Rowles (?). It might be possible that this photograph is taken much earlier in her live, maybe somewhere in 1945.

Billie backstage at her concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

Billie in a pensive mood! Picture taken probably early 1956. Exact date and place unknown.

While working at the 'Showboat' in Philadelphia Billie and Louis McKay were arrested at 3:00 a.m. after a raid in their hotel room. Billie was charged with possessing narcotics, and McKay with possessing a pistol without permit. Billie was released on bail at 5:00 p.m. in time to make the evening show at the 'Showboat'.

This picture is probably taken spring 1956. The picture was used in a Down Beat review of Lady Sings the Blues on August 8th. 1956.

Billie having fun at a party at William Dufty's home. Her godchild Bevan Dufty and husbansd Louis McKay are also seen.

Billie rehearses at William Dufty's home in New York City for the forthcoming Norman Granz Recording session. This picture is taken by Tony Scott who helped her out at the piano on that date.

Billie 'writing her autobiography'. In July 1956 her book 'Lady Sings The Blues' was published. William Dufty wrote it actually!

Billie Holiday during her recording sessions for Verve Records in New York on 6th. and 7th. June 1956.

The pictures are possibly taken while Billie is performing at the Club 204 in Chicago. It was a successful engagement and Louis McKay buys a share of the club, and names one of the rooms, 'The Holiday Room'.

Billie Holiday performing with her pianist Corky Hale at the Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas.

She is wearing the same jewelry and hairdo as she has on the TV broadcast 'Stars of Jazz' she's done in Los Angeles on 13th. August 1956. She worked at the Jazz City in Hollywood, probably this picture is taken there.

While in Los Angeles Billie appears on the 'Stars of Jazz TV program where she was accompanied by the Pete Jolly Trio.

Billie Holiday during her recording sessions for Verve Records in Los Angeles at the Radio Recorders Studios on 14th. August or on 18th. August.

Billie appears at a Grand Rally for the Eisenhower / Nixon Election Campaign in front of the Hotel Theresa in Harlem. Duke Ellington's Orchestra also appear. This picture is possible taken after the show. Here Billie is seen with Duke Ellington and her friend Maely Dufty.

Billie rehearsing on stage of Carnegie Hall for her second solo concert at this famous concert hall. Billie with Louis McKay back-stage of Carnegie Hall just before the great event started. The other picture is taken Billie relaxing in her dressing room during the interval.

Billie rehearsing on stage of Carnegie Hall for her second solo concert at this famous concert hall. Billie with Louis McKay back-stage of Carnegie Hall just before the great event started. The other picture is taken Billie relaxing in her dressing room during the interval.

Billie rehearsing on stage of Carnegie Hall for her second solo concert at this famous concert hall. Billie with Louis McKay back-stage of Carnegie Hall just before the great event started. The other picture is taken Billie relaxing in her dressing room during the interval.

This picture is taken probably at the end of 1956. This photo of unknown provenance shows how Lady's addictive personality is catching up with her. Notice the needle-scars on her arms.

From the backcover of album 'The Winners' (Giants Of Jazz LP-1018)

No comment.

Billie Holiday during her recording sessions for Verve Records in Los Angeles at the Capitol Studios at the beginning of January 1957.

Billie singing into a mike somewhere, someplace in spring 1957. Exact date and place are unknown.

This picture is probably taken in spring 1957. Exact date and place still unknown.

Billie Holiday singing into the microphone at Sugar Hill Cafe, Newark, New Jersey.

According to photographer Paul J. Hoeffler they are taken at the Ridge Crest Inn, Rochester New York in 1957. However I cannot find anything about the Crest Inn engagement! I think they are taken during Billie's stay in Pep's Musical Bar in Philadelphia early May 1957. On some pictures taken at this session Billie is wearing the wedding ring. She got officially married to Louis McKay on 27th. March 1957. The couple split on 2nd. June 1957.

Billie opens at Pep's Musical Bar in Philadelphia for a one week engagement opposite Paul Quinichette. Mal Waldron becomes her new accompanist. He will be her devoted pianist till her death two and a half years later. Probably Billie is showing her (second) Chihuahua called 'Pepe'.

Billie playing with her godchild Bevan Dufty at the Dufty's apartment on West 93rd. street Bevan attired to party with his godmother.

These pictures Billie shown in a dark dress are taken in June 1957. Billie was performing at 'Greenwich Festival of Jazz'. She appeared at this show held at 'Loew's State Theatre' on June 11th, June 15th. 1957 and later on June 21st.1957.

This picture is probably taken in the summer of 1957. Maybe during the festivals in New York. She is wearing the same earrings as during the Newport Jazz Festival and her hair isn't curled.

Photographs of Billie on stage and bach stage during her appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival at Freebody Park, Newport, Rhode Island.

Billie is present at a week-long series of concerts in the open air in Central Park, New York. The Jazz Under the Stars concerts were held in the Wollman Memorial Theatre in Central Park. During one of those night she probably has sung with Lester Young.

Billie hanging out at Club Bohemia, Barrow Street, New York City. Inscripted on the photograph 'To Alice in Wonderland'. Alice Vrbsky, Billie's real good friend during her later years.

Billie in the summer of 1957. This picture is probably taken during one of the open air concerts in Central Park, New York, called Jazz Under The Stars.

Poster of the concert.

Billie appears at the New York Jazz Festival held at Randall's Island Stadium. Festival producer Friedman introduced Billie Holiday who sang a nine-tune set. Her singing here was a distinct improvement over recent outings. Lady's voice had more body and tone than I recall in at least a year. Her phrasing and ability to create a mood never had been less than great, but her vocal texture was a genuine cause for celebration.

Billie appears at a benefit concert 'Thanksgiving Jazz at Carnegie Hall' for the Morningside Community Centre. Also appearing are Dizzy Gillespie and his Orchestra, Thelonimus Monk with John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, Zoot Sims Quartet and Ray Charles. There are two concerts, at 8:30 pm and midnight. Billie sang seven songs accompanied by Mal Waldron. It was Billie's last time that she appeared at Carnegie Hall.

Billie at the rehearsal for the TV program 'The Sound of Jazz'.

Billie takes part in the live telecast of 'The Sound of Jazz' a CBC Television Program sponsored by Timex in their 'Seven Lively Arts' series at CBS Studio 58 in New York City. Billie sang her own moving composition of 'Fine and Mellow'.

Billie with a little girl. Probably one of her many God children. It's known that she was the godmother of Bevan Dufty son of Bill and Maely Dufty, of the daughter of Rosemary Clooney and of the daughter of Johnny Mercer.

Billie Holiday during her recording sessions for 'Lady in Satin' for Columbia Records in New York, February 1958.

Publicity photographs or maybe pictures that could be used for the cover of the 'Lady in Satin' album. They are made during this time because Billie is wearing the same earrings as the ones that are used on the definite 'Lady in Satin' cover.

Billie with Maely Dufty and Bevan Dufty, Billie's Godchild, probably during the photo session where pictures were taken for the cover of the album 'Lady in Satin'.

Billie singing at an unknown nightclub, spring 1958. Exact date and place so far unknown.

Billie appeared on Art Ford's Jazz Party, broadcasted simultaneously on radio and TV via station WNTA, channel 13 from Newark, New Jersey.

Being alone in her apartment in New York. Jobs are beginning to dry up for Billie! And her private life becomes a mess.

Billie appears on Art Ford's Jazz Party, broadcast simultaneously on radio and TV via station WNTA channel 13 from Newark, New Jersey. During 'Foolin myself' she wears a different dress and earrings (first set of 7 photo's) than during 'Easy to remember' and 'Ehat a little moonlight'.

Billie appears on Art Ford's Jazz Party, broadcast simultaneously on radio and TV via station WNTA channel 13 from Newark, New Jersey.

Billie with her companion the tiny Chihuahua Pepe somewhere, some place during the summer of 1958.

Billie with Miles Davis and Jimmy Rushing after the concert 'Jazz at the Plaza' that was held in the famous Plaza Hotel in New York.

All Star Jazz Show and Farewell Party to Billie Holiday (prior to her second European Tour). This big concert was held at New York Town Hall, 123 W43rd. Street at Broadway, New York City. Billie was billed as special attraction.

Billie appeared at the final night of the First Annual Monterey Jazz Festival in Monterey, California.

Photographs are not taken during her tragic stay in Milan. Early November 1958 she had an engagement in the Smeraldo Theatre which only lasted for two days.

Mario Fatoria a film producer organized a concert in the small hall of the famous Teatro alla Scala, this time for Jazz friends only.

Billie at Milano, November 9th. and 10th. with local musicians (Enrico Intra, Oscar Valdambrini, Giorgio Azzolini, Gianni Basso, Gianni Cazzola) and with fans.

Billie arriving at Orly, Paris.

Billie in Paris singing into the microphone at the Olympia. Pictures 5-6: Billie in her dressing room at the Olympia in Paris just before her dual concert with Jimmy Rushing began. Picture 8: Billie with Jimmy Rushing waiting to get on the stage. The two shared the bill at the Olympia Theatre in Paris.

No comment.

Billie relaxing at the home of the French singer Simone Ginibre.

Billie during the French T.V. broadcast Music Hall Parade, a weekly programme hosted by Gilles Margarites. Billie sang I Only Have Eyes For You and Trav'lin' Light. A video tape of this programme exists and it is the property of Michel Fontanes who also owns the copyright.

Billie singing at the Mars Club in Paris. In Paris the audiences are unsympathetic and the promoter of Billie tour, Bruno Coquantrix pulled out the rest of the European tour. Billie and MalWaldron are stranded and they are forced into performing at the Mars Club for a percentage of the door money, they needed to buy a flight ticket back to New York!

Billie relaxing at Tony Scott's home.

Billie's passport when she entered the U.S. on December 2nd. 1958.

Exact date and place of this photograph are unknow. It shows a pensive moment of Lady at the bar.

Billie with Mal Waldron in her dressing room at the Chelsea Palace in London just before she went on doing her T.V. debut in England. Billie singing in the T.V. program 'Chelsea at Nine'. She was accompanied by Mal Waldron on piano and the Peter Knight Orchestra. She sang 'I Loves You Porgy', 'Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone' and 'Strange Fruit'.

Billie at the TV programme 'Chelsea at Nine' for ATV at the Chelsea Palace Studios. She was accompanied by pianist Mal Waldron and the Peter Knight Orchestra. Pictures 5-9: Billie with Mal Waldron in her dressing room at the Chelsea Palace in London just before she went on doing her T.V. debut in England. Picture 10: Billie singing in the T.V. program 'Chelsea at Nine'. She was accompanied by Mal Waldron on piano and the Peter Knight Orchestra. She sang 'I Loves You Porgy', 'Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone' and 'Strange Fruit'.

Billie Holiday during her last recording sessions with the Ray Ellis Orchestra at the Metropolitan Recording Studios in New York, March 1959. Picture 3: Billie Holiday during her last recording sessions with the Ray Ellis Orchestra at the Metropolitan Recording Studios in New York, March 1959.

Billie Holiday during her last recording sessions with the Ray Ellis Orchestra at the Metropolitan Recording Studios in New York, March 1959.

Lester Young's funeral. Lester's death on March 15th. 1959 was a big blow to Billie Holiday. When she turned op for his funeral at Universal Chapel on March 19th. she was distressed but dignified. Lester family didn't allow her to sing which upset her very much.

After her estrangement from her husband Louis McKay, Billie became more and more isolated in her tiny apartment at 26 West 87th Street. This photo says it all: a suitcase ready for another out-of-town gig and a box of dog treats for her only companion, her chihuahua Pepe.

This picture, taken at Holiday's home in the spring of 1959, is one of the last know photographs of the singer.

This picture is probably taken during her last performance. Billie appeared at a benefit concert at the Phoenix Theatre in Greenwich Village, New York City. Leonard Feather and Steve Allen are the MC's. Feather is shocked by Billie's appearance and noticing his expression, Billie said: 'What's the matter, Leonard? You seen a ghost or something?.

Billie Holiday's Death Certificate.

Between 19th and 21st. July, Lady's body was laid out at the Universal Funeral Chapel at Lexington Avenue and 51st. Street for fans to pay their last respects.

A huge crowd filled the sidewalks outside St. Paul the Apostle Church in New York for Billie Holiday's Funeral.