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3 Harlem Jazz Spots Where Billie Holiday Once Sang—That Are Still Around Today


A plaque honoring Billie Holiday outside of Bill's Place in Harlem

Happy birthday to Billie Holiday—born Eleanora Fagan on April 7, 1915.


As a young teen Holiday moved with her mother to Harlem, where she launched her career soon after.


The legendary vocalist didn't just get her start uptown, but sang at many of its jazz joints throughout her life.


Amazingly, three of them still exist, including the spot where she was discovered.


Bookmark this post and make sure to visit them all:


206 W 118th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd and St. Nicholas Ave

Founded by saxophonist Henry Minton in 1938 and known as the birthplace of bebop, this spot counts Holiday among its roster of jazz greats to have performed on its stage.


253 W 125th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Blvds

Holiday made her debut at the legendary Harlem venue in the 1930s at the age of 19. She went on to appear here nearly 30 times.


148 W 133rd St between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvds

Now known as the jazz club Bill's Place, this address was once home to a speakeasy where, according to legend, record producer John Hammond first heard Holiday when she was 17.


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