More jazz than blues, but so heavily blues influenced that she belongs on this list.

A voice that once heard is never forgotten, with astonishing song interpretations.

A truly legendary figure

He is ok I guess I really dont know much about him

Her voice.

She lived,ate,breathed,slept and died the Blues.What a VOICE!!!'Nuff Said.

The best female blues singer. Somebody who sings the blues with all the heartache, misery and emotion.

Remarkably unique and passionate, listening to Billie Holiday's voice is like running the gamut of emotions. The pure feelings of pain, heartbreak and love truly mesmerize. No other female artist out today can reach to those depths. Sometimes listening to her, I find myself holding my breath- that's the amazing effect of Billie Holiday.

Perhaps the greatest singer of all time, her unique voice hauntingly reveals the sorrow and heartbreak of her lyrics. Such passion and honesty is a rarity in todays commericialized music. If only more artists could express such feeling as Billie once did.

songs like god bless the child and funny valentine, makes me cry because she lived such a depressing life.

THE GREATEST JAZZ SINGER EVER TO GRACE A MIC. I have always been obsessed with "Lady Day" There was something so very mystical, yet captivating in her delivery. The tragedies that marred her personal life were unthinkable and would have stifled a lessor talent. But this legend went on to perform with the likes of Lester Young; Count Basie; Charlie Parker; Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. God what a repertoire! Some of my favorites are: Body & Soul; All of Me; Lover Man; In My Solitude; Me, Myself and I; Fine and Mellow; Gloomy Sunday; Ain't Nobody's Business and of course Good Morning Hearthache.

God bless the child

What a haunting, mesmerizing voice. Billie Holiday really is unique. I have to be in just the right mood to make it through one of her CDs, but, when I am in the right mood, no other musician compares. Her singing is truly one of a kind. Sometimes a single song of hers can almost wear me out. And if you know anything about her life story, it's easier to understand the source of all that emotional depth.