Billie Holiday, nicknamed Lady Day, was an American singer who became one of the most important voices in twentieth-century vocal jazz. Her performances were defined by highly personal phrasing, deep emotional expression and a unique way of shaping rhythm and melody, giving jazz standards and ballads an unmistakable intensity. With songs such as Strange Fruit, God Bless the Child and Lover Man, Billie Holiday profoundly influenced jazz, soul and generations of singers.