“Billie Holiday” is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time, with a career spanning over three decades. Her unique voice and emotional depth made her an icon of the jazz genre, inspiring countless musicians and captivating audiences around the world. Throughout her career, Holiday recorded many memorable songs, earning her a place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
This list of the 10 Best Billie Holiday Songs of All Time celebrates her extraordinary talent and contributions to music. From the soulful and emotive “Strange Fruit” to the romantic and dreamy “Easy Living,” these songs showcase the depth and range of Holiday’s vocal abilities.
Each song on this list is a testament to her enduring legacy and impact on jazz and popular music, cementing her place as one of the most beloved and influential artists of all time.
1. “The Very Thought of You”
“The Very Thought of You” is a romantic ballad by the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, released in 1958. The song, written by Ray Noble, is a tender expression of love and devotion.
With its melancholic melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Holiday’s signature emotive vocals, “The Very Thought of You” is a quintessential example of her ability to convey deep emotions through music. The song’s lyrics and delivery are filled with longing and passion, capturing the universal experience of falling in love and the desire to be with someone always.
“The Very Thought of You” was a commercial and critical success, earning Holiday numerous accolades, including being named one of the 500 greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone. The song’s enduring popularity has been demonstrated by the countless covers and tributes it has inspired over the years, from Nat King Cole to Rod Stewart.
Beyond its musical achievements, “The Very Thought of You” also holds cultural significance. The song was released during a time when many people were seeking comfort and understanding in the face of the complexities of love and relationships. Its message of devotion and the power of love resonated strongly with listeners who were looking for a reason to believe that love could conquer all.
Today, “The Very Thought of You” remains a beloved classic, a testament to Holiday’s unparalleled talent and impact on jazz and popular music. The song’s heartfelt vocals, emotional depth, and timeless message continue to inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its place as one of the greatest ballads in the history of popular music.
2. “Them There Eyes”
“Them There Eyes” is a lively and upbeat jazz standard by the legendary singer Billie Holiday, released in 1939. The song, written by Maceo Pinkard, Doris Tauber, and William Tracey, is a playful and flirtatious ode to the power of love.
With its catchy melody, witty lyrics, and Holiday’s signature vocal style, “Them There Eyes” is a quintessential example of her ability to infuse jazz with humor and lightness. The song’s lyrics and delivery are filled with joy and playfulness, capturing the thrill of new love and the excitement of discovering someone special.
“Them There Eyes” was a commercial and critical success, earning Holiday numerous accolades and cementing her place as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. The song’s enduring popularity has been demonstrated by the countless covers and tributes it has inspired over the years, from Ella Fitzgerald to Louis Armstrong.
Beyond its musical achievements, “Them There Eyes” also holds cultural significance. The song was released during a time when many people were seeking comfort and happiness in the face of the challenges of daily life. Its message of love and the power of romance to lift the spirits resonated strongly with listeners who were looking for a reason to believe in the transformative power of love.
Today, “Them There Eyes” remains a beloved classic, a testament to Holiday’s unparalleled talent and impact on jazz and popular music. The song’s playful vocals, infectious melody, and timeless message continue to inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its place as one of the greatest jazz standards in the history of popular music.
3. “You’re My Thrill”
“You’re My Thrill” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad by the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, released in 1949. The song, written by Jay Gorney and Sidney Clare, is a passionate and emotional expression of love and desire.
With its melancholic melody, soulful lyrics, and Holiday’s signature emotive vocals, “You’re My Thrill” is a quintessential example of her ability to convey deep emotions through music. The song’s lyrics and delivery are filled with longing and intensity, capturing the universal experience of being consumed by desire and the need for someone to fulfill it.
“You’re My Thrill” was a commercial and critical success, earning Holiday numerous accolades, including being named one of the 500 greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone. The song’s enduring popularity has been demonstrated by the countless covers and tributes it has inspired over the years, from Ella Fitzgerald to Barbra Streisand.
Beyond its musical achievements, “You’re My Thrill” also holds cultural significance. The song was released during a time when many people were seeking passion and excitement in their lives. Its message of intense love and desire resonated strongly with listeners who were looking for a reason to believe that love could be all-consuming and overwhelming.
Today, “You’re My Thrill” remains a beloved classic, a testament to Holiday’s unparalleled talent and impact on jazz and popular music. The song’s emotional vocals, stirring melody, and timeless message continue to inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its place as one of the greatest ballads in the history of popular music.
4. “Travelin’ Light”
“Travelin’ Light” is a jazz standard by the legendary singer Billie Holiday, released in 1942. The song, written by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy, is a poignant and reflective expression of love and loss.
With its wistful melody, introspective lyrics, and Holiday’s signature emotive vocals, “Travelin’ Light” is a quintessential example of her ability to convey deep emotions through music. The song’s lyrics and delivery are filled with a sense of longing and sadness, capturing the universal experience of saying goodbye to someone you love.
“Travelin’ Light” was a commercial and critical success, earning Holiday numerous accolades and cementing her place as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. The song’s enduring popularity has been demonstrated by the countless covers and tributes it has inspired over the years, from Diana Krall to Cassandra Wilson.
Beyond its musical achievements, “Travelin’ Light” also holds cultural significance. The song was released during a time when many people were grappling with the complexities of relationships and the inevitability of change. Its message of acceptance and the bittersweet nature of love resonated strongly with listeners who were looking for a reason to believe that even though love can be fleeting, it is still worth cherishing.
Today, “Travelin’ Light” remains a beloved classic, a testament to Holiday’s unparalleled talent and impact on jazz and popular music. The song’s emotional vocals, melancholic melody, and timeless message continue to inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its place as one of the greatest jazz standards in the history of popular music.
5. “I’m Gonna Lock My Heart”
“I’m Gonna Lock My Heart” is a classic jazz standard by the legendary singer Billie Holiday, released in 1938. The song, written by Jimmy Eaton and Terry Shand, is a defiant and empowering expression of love and self-protection.
With its upbeat melody, playful lyrics, and Holiday’s signature vocal style, “I’m Gonna Lock My Heart” is a quintessential example of her ability to infuse jazz with humor and lightness. The song’s lyrics and delivery are filled with sass and confidence, capturing the universal experience of guarding one’s heart and refusing to be hurt by love.
“I’m Gonna Lock My Heart” was a commercial and critical success, earning Holiday numerous accolades and cementing her place as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. The song’s enduring popularity has been demonstrated by the countless covers and tributes it has inspired over the years, from Ella Fitzgerald to Diana Ross.
Beyond its musical achievements, “I’m Gonna Lock My Heart” also holds cultural significance. The song was released during a time when many women were asserting their independence and taking control of their lives. Its message of self-protection and standing up for oneself resonated strongly with listeners who were looking for a reason to believe in their own strength and resilience.
Today, “I’m Gonna Lock My Heart” remains a beloved classic, a testament to Holiday’s unparalleled talent and impact on jazz and popular music. The song’s playful vocals, infectious melody, and timeless message continue to inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its place as one of the greatest jazz standards in the history of popular music.
6. “Lover Man”
“Lover Man” is a timeless jazz classic by the legendary singer Billie Holiday, released in 1945. The song, written by Jimmy Davis, Ram Ramirez, and James Sherman, is a soulful and emotional expression of love and longing.
With its melancholic melody, emotive lyrics, and Holiday’s signature vocal style, “Lover Man” is a quintessential example of her ability to convey deep emotions through music. The song’s lyrics and delivery are filled with a sense of yearning and heartache, capturing the universal experience of longing for someone who may not be available.
“Lover Man” was a commercial and critical success, earning Holiday numerous accolades and cementing her place as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. The song’s enduring popularity has been demonstrated by the countless covers and tributes it has inspired over the years, from Sarah Vaughan to Alicia Keys.
Beyond its musical achievements, “Lover Man” also holds cultural significance. The song was released during a time when many people were grappling with the complexities of relationships and the pain of unrequited love. Its message of emotional honesty and the power of love to both uplift and devastate resonated strongly with listeners who were looking for a reason to believe in the transformative power of music.
Today, “Lover Man” remains a beloved classic, a testament to Holiday’s unparalleled talent and impact on jazz and popular music. The song’s emotive vocals, haunting melody, and timeless message continue to inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its place as one of the greatest jazz ballads in the history of popular music.
7. “Easy Living’”
“Easy Living” is a classic jazz standard by the legendary singer Billie Holiday, released in 1937. The song, written by Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin, is a melancholic and reflective exploration of the beauty and pain of life.
With its gentle melody, contemplative lyrics, and Holiday’s signature vocal style, “Easy Living” is a quintessential example of her ability to convey deep emotions through music. The song’s lyrics and delivery are filled with a sense of nostalgia and loss, capturing the universal experience of longing for a simpler, happier time.
“Easy Living” was a commercial and critical success, earning Holiday numerous accolades and cementing her place as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. The song’s enduring popularity has been demonstrated by the countless covers and tributes it has inspired over the years, from Ella Fitzgerald to Diana Krall.
Beyond its musical achievements, “Easy Living” also holds cultural significance. The song was released during a time of great social and economic upheaval, as people were struggling to make sense of a rapidly changing world. Its message of hope and the enduring beauty of life resonated strongly with listeners who were looking for a reason to believe in a brighter future.
Today, “Easy Living” remains a beloved classic, a testament to Holiday’s unparalleled talent and impact on jazz and popular music. The song’s gentle vocals, poignant melody, and timeless message continue to inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its place as one of the greatest jazz ballads in the history of popular music.
8. “Blue Moon”
“Blue Moon” is a classic jazz standard by the legendary singer Billie Holiday, released in 1935. The song, written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, is a romantic and dreamy ode to love and longing.
With its melodic harmonies, poetic lyrics, and Holiday’s signature vocal style, “Blue Moon” is a quintessential example of her ability to infuse jazz with beauty and emotion. The song’s lyrics and delivery are filled with a sense of hope and desire, capturing the universal experience of seeking love and companionship.
“Blue Moon” was a commercial and critical success, earning Holiday numerous accolades and cementing her place as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. The song’s enduring popularity has been demonstrated by the countless covers and tributes it has inspired over the years, from Elvis Presley to Rod Stewart.
Beyond its musical achievements, “Blue Moon” also holds cultural significance. The song was released during a time of great social and economic upheaval, as people were seeking escape and joy in the face of hardship. Its message of love and the transformative power of romance resonated strongly with listeners who were looking for a reason to believe in the possibility of a brighter future.
Today, “Blue Moon” remains a beloved classic, a testament to Holiday’s unparalleled talent and impact on jazz and popular music. The song’s beautiful vocals, poetic lyrics, and timeless message continue to inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its place as one of the greatest jazz standards in the history of popular music.
9. “Solitude”
“Solitude” is a classic jazz standard by the legendary singer Billie Holiday, released in 1941. The song, written by Duke Ellington, Eddie DeLange, and Irving Mills, is a haunting and introspective exploration of the pain and beauty of being alone.
With its somber melody, introspective lyrics, and Holiday’s signature vocal style, “Solitude” is a quintessential example of her ability to convey deep emotions through music. The song’s lyrics and delivery are filled with a sense of loneliness and longing, capturing the universal experience of searching for meaning and connection in a world that can often feel isolating.
“Solitude” was a commercial and critical success, earning Holiday numerous accolades and cementing her place as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. The song’s enduring popularity has been demonstrated by the countless covers and tributes it has inspired over the years, from Nina Simone to Sting.
Beyond its musical achievements, “Solitude” also holds cultural significance. The song was released during a time of great social and political turmoil, as people were grappling with the challenges of World War II and the changing face of society. Its message of self-reflection and the search for inner peace resonated strongly with listeners who were looking for a reason to believe in the power of self-discovery.
Today, “Solitude” remains a beloved classic, a testament to Holiday’s unparalleled talent and impact on jazz and popular music. The song’s haunting vocals, poignant lyrics, and timeless message continue to inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its place as one of the greatest jazz ballads in the history of popular music.
10. “Strange Fruit”
“Strange Fruit” is a powerful and haunting protest song by the legendary singer Billie Holiday, released in 1939. The song, written by Abel Meeropol, is a vivid and stark depiction of the horrors of racism and lynching in America.
With its mournful melody, graphic lyrics, and Holiday’s signature vocal style, “Strange Fruit” is a quintessential example of her ability to use music as a tool for social commentary and activism. The song’s lyrics and delivery are filled with a sense of outrage and sorrow, capturing the harrowing reality of racial violence and injustice in America.
“Strange Fruit” was a groundbreaking achievement, earning Holiday widespread acclaim and recognition for her role in bringing attention to the issue of lynching. The song’s enduring legacy has been demonstrated by its continued use in films, television shows, and other media, as well as its influence on generations of musicians and activists.
Beyond its musical achievements, “Strange Fruit” also holds cultural significance. The song was released during a time of great social and political turmoil, as people were fighting for civil rights and an end to systemic racism. Its message of resistance and the power of music to inspire change resonated strongly with listeners who were looking for a reason to believe in a brighter future.
Today, “Strange Fruit” remains a beloved classic, a testament to Holiday’s unparalleled talent and impact on jazz and popular music. The song’s poignant vocals, powerful lyrics, and enduring message continue to inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its place as one of the greatest protest songs in the history of popular music.
