The Harlem Renaissance took place right after World War one during the 1930’s in Harlem, New York. It was a massive cultural movement which brought out the best of the fine arts during this time period. Many African Americans fled the south and came to Harlem to express their love for the arts and live in a society which had the same passions as they did. On April 7, 1915, Billie Holiday, the most influential jazz musicians of her time, was born.
A major part of what made Billie so influential was that throughout most of her professional career, she dealt with addiction and drug abuse but still managed to create and perform hits such as “God Bless the Child” and “Strange Fruit.” As a child, Billie was forced to live a tough life with her mother due to her father rarely being in her life. Billie also was known for …show more content…
Still struggling with addiction, Holiday looked to music for her escape. She once said, “No two people on Earth are alike, and it’s got to be that way in music or it isn’t music.” Holiday produced an assortment of hits like “Lover Man,” “T’ain’t Nobody’s Business if I Do,” and a variety of others that all had their own unique twist that appealed to her audience. She produced music that her listeners could relate with distinctive phrasing and diction. Her ability to leave a lasting impression among her fans, allowed her to make an impact as a musician during the Harlem Renaissance. Not only back in Billie Holiday’s time, but also in today’s society, individuals have the power to influence others when they are relatable. Holiday was filled with imperfections, from being placed in a facility for troubled children at a young age to dealing with drug and alcohol addiction throughout her life. The imperfections, however are what allowed her to be influential. In fact, the love and experiences Billie poured into her music left her as one of the most dominating musicians during the Harlem
A major part of what made Billie so influential was that throughout most of her professional career, she dealt with addiction and drug abuse but still managed to create and perform hits such as “God Bless the Child” and “Strange Fruit.” As a child, Billie was forced to live a tough life with her mother due to her father rarely being in her life. Billie also was known for …show more content…
Still struggling with addiction, Holiday looked to music for her escape. She once said, “No two people on Earth are alike, and it’s got to be that way in music or it isn’t music.” Holiday produced an assortment of hits like “Lover Man,” “T’ain’t Nobody’s Business if I Do,” and a variety of others that all had their own unique twist that appealed to her audience. She produced music that her listeners could relate with distinctive phrasing and diction. Her ability to leave a lasting impression among her fans, allowed her to make an impact as a musician during the Harlem Renaissance. Not only back in Billie Holiday’s time, but also in today’s society, individuals have the power to influence others when they are relatable. Holiday was filled with imperfections, from being placed in a facility for troubled children at a young age to dealing with drug and alcohol addiction throughout her life. The imperfections, however are what allowed her to be influential. In fact, the love and experiences Billie poured into her music left her as one of the most dominating musicians during the Harlem