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#billie holiday
joeinct · 4 months
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Billie Holliday at Cafe Society, New York, Photo by Gjon Mili, 1947
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gretagarbos · 7 months
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Billie Holiday performing live at the Newport Jazz Festival at Freebody Park in Newport, Rhode Island. July 6, 1957.
Photographed by Bill Spilka.
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totheroses · 23 days
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Billie Holiday with her boxer Mister, listening to some records, likely Jazz, 1945.
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strathshepard · 4 months
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Billie Holiday, Paris, 1950
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twixnmix · 2 years
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Billie Holiday performing at the Mars Club in Paris on November 20, 1958.
Photos by Jean Pierre Leloir
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jazz-improvisation · 5 months
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Billie Holiday on the Eddie Condon Floor Show, 1948,
photos: Genevieve Naylor
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zzzze · 6 months
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GARRY WINOGRAND(1928 - 1984)
Billie Holiday, ca. 1955
Gelatin silver print
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davidhudson · 1 year
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Billie Holiday, April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959.
At Café Society in New York. 1947 photo by Gjon Mili.
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lascitasdelashoras · 4 months
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Billie Holiday
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readyforevolution · 2 months
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carbone14 · 3 months
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Billie Holiday au Downbeat club - New York - Février 1947
Photo de William P. Gottlieb
©Library of Congress
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joeinct · 5 months
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Billie Holiday, Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, Photo by Herman Leonard, 1953
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citizenscreen · 10 months
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Legends Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald in New York, 1947.
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bidotorg · 1 month
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In the 1940s, Billie Holiday (#Bi2) faced segregation firsthand while touring the United States. During one particular tour stop in the South, she arrived at a hotel where she was scheduled to perform, only to be turned away because of her race. Undeterred, Holiday refused to let discrimination silence her voice.
Instead of succumbing to defeat, she staged an impromptu concert right on the sidewalk outside the hotel. Gathering her band and a crowd of supporters, Holiday delivered a captivating performance under the stars, defying the oppressive racial barriers that sought to confine her.
Her courageous act not only showcased her resilience in the face of discrimination but also served as a powerful statement against the injustices of segregation. Through her music and actions, Billie Holiday challenged the status quo, leaving an indelible mark on both the history of jazz and the ongoing struggle for equality. #BlackHistoryMonth
🎤
https://bi.org/en/famous/billie-holiday
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kosmik-signals · 1 year
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Billie Holiday, b. April 7, 1915
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thanksbutno98 · 1 year
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Frostbite Pt. 2
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Ghost x reader!fem
Part 1
—————-
A rattling began to shake your small studio apartment waking you. The curtains were wide open allowing the bright sunlight to peer through as the snow fell from the apartment buildings roof. You shivered wrapping yourself deeper into the forest green comforter. Did you forget to turn on the heat?
“Fuck, my head.” A groan escaped your chapped lips as you sat up in bed placing the heels of your palms into your eyes. The hangover was intense. Your breath was visible as you continued to shiver. That’s when it hit you.
“Shit!” Hurling yourself out of bed you tripped over your booted foot falling to the floor in a thud. Banging your elbow on the way down. Moving back to your feet you fast hobbled to the window horrified by the sight in front of you.
“Fuck you Simon Riley.” You cursed through chattering teeth, seeing the snow drift that had entered your apartment. You had explicitly told him to shut the window when he was done smoking. Clearly he forgot since now a quarter of your couch was covered in snow and ice. You’d be lucky if the pipes hadn’t froze on you.
Last night had felt like a fever dream. Ghost in your apartment, unmasked, allowing you to kiss his handsome face. Leaving soon after the small romantic encounter. Simon wasn’t one for emotions you were more than aware of that but you knew he was warming up to you. Maybe he even fancied you. Having been smitten yourself with him recently it made you giddy to think about that small kiss you placed on his cheek and how it left goosebumps in its wake.
—————
A few pain killers, one hot shower, and some stale crackers later you were just starting to get over your hangover. Still annoyed that half your couch was wet, you sipped on your tea. You had put on a new set of pajamas not seeing the need to wear real clothes as you spent this Christmas locked away in your sweltering apartment avoiding the cold tundra outside your windows. That was the thing about this place it was either freezing or unbearably hot. You had chosen a pair of knit sleep shorts with a slightly oversized festive flannel, no bra needed. The only present you’d be opening today was the electric bill you forgot to pay.
A knock sounded from your front door causing you to jump, spilling your tea on the counter. Who the hell is visiting on Christmas Day? A wicked smile spread across your face. You knew who it was. At least you hoped you knew. Hobbling over to the door you didn’t bother looking threw the peep hole. Flinging it open you giggled at the snow covered Brit that stood in front of you. Simon was dressed in blue jeans, a puffy winter jacket and his balaclava. It surprised you he didn’t have to duck when going through doorways being as tall as he was. He had bags in hand filled with groceries.
“Can’t stay away now can you?” You meant for your tone to come off as teasing but you sounded like a flirt.
“Fuck, off.”
“So, you’ve reconsidered my offer about Christmas dinner?” You pointed to the groceries in his left hand, a stupid grin plastered across your face.
“Can’t let you eat takeout again.”
“Oh, you’re worried about m- Hey! Wait!” Simon had turned on his heels heading straight for the stairwell. That struck a nerve.
“Hey, I’m kidding!” You reached forward quickly grabbing the handle of the bag, tripping slightly as your boot caught on the welcome mat. His fingers were freezing without his gloves. With little thought you slid your much warmer hands over his cold cracked skin attempting to warm him, feeling him flinch at the action.
“I forgot my gloves.”
“You also forgot to close the window.” It was cute watching his eyes go wide in realization.
For such a prepared man on the battle field he sure could be forgetful outside of the military. Maybe he was just an ordinary man after all. Not this mythical ‘Ghost’ people had him out to be.
There was no response needed as he pushed past you into the sweltering apartment. Simon kicked off his boots then slid his winter jacket off followed by the hoodie underneath. This caused his shirt to slide up slightly revealing what looked to be his happy trail, making you wonder if he had chest hair to match. You quickly averted your eyes before he could notice your stare.
He wore a fitted black t-shirt that accentuated his v-shape and made his arms look to die for. A red flush warmed your cheeks as he slipped off the balaclava shooting you a warning look, as if not to mention his bare face. Damn, What a shame he wears a mask. You thought.
He was clean shaven today and he smelled of pine and honey as he passed by peaking his head into the living room to check out the unintentional mess he left behind. You were slightly embarrassed about the state of your room having not made your bed and you could see your bra and panties in a pile on the floor. Living in a studio meant your bedroom and living room were unfortunately the same room leaving little privacy when you had guests. Although you did have a very clear set up on which was which.
“L-let me change.” You stuttered out feeling extremely exposed as you remembered you weren’t wearing a bra and your shorts were barley visible under the flannel making it look like you were in your underwear.
“You look fine.” Simons eyes glanced down lingering a second to long at your partially exposed chest. His eyes darkened making your cheeks grow redder in color.
“Th-thanks!” You squeaked turning on your heels going straight for your room to put on real clothes.
Simon may have admired your ass as you scurried away but you’d never know. Closing the door quietly to your bedroom/living room you tripped again banging the same elbow as this morning. Cursing under your breath you changed into a pair of jeans and threw a bra and tank top on under the red flannel now leaving it unbuttoned. You may have also checked your bedside drawer for condoms which were plentiful since you hardly got laid recently. Shaking the thought from your head and slightly slapping your cheeks. No, no way! Get your mind out of the gutter.
—————
“For someone who has your knife throwing skills you’d think you could chop an onion.”
“I never said I could cook.” Simon grumbled having been exiled to the other side of the kitchen.
He had set a hand towel on fire by accident and was bossing you around relentlessly as if he knew what he was doing. You two were struggling to get this meal made as you weren’t the best cook either. It was like having dumb and dumber in the kitchen. Both of you refusing to use a recipe out of pride.
“You know, take outs starting to sound good right about now.” You chimed in a sing sing voice.
“No.”
“Ugh, always the stubborn one.” You groaned.
Silence soon took over and you wished he would talk or try and start a conversation. It was always left to you to find a topic to chat about.
“So, why aren’t you with your family this year?” You asked being totally oblivious to how Simon froze at your words. His blood pressure spiked and he couldn’t help the twinge of anger that crept up his spine. He didn’t know you to pry and maybe that’s not what you were doing. Maybe this was some lame attempt at small talk. Filling the silence you spoke again.
“Mine are all back home and I couldn’t get a flight this late. Not that I really want to see them.” You complained waving your hand in the air. The continued silence caused you to turn to see Ghost standing stiffer than usual, bare face fixed with a mean scowl. The look in his eyes was one you were familiar with. It was the look he had during combat.
“Did I say something?”
“You should enjoy the time you have with your family.” His words were curt and laced with venom.
“Yeah, just hard right now. No ones family is perfect.”
Silence.
“Or is yours?” You joked trying to ease the growing tension. It didn’t help.
You gulped beginning to feel nervous at how menacing Simons bare face could be, brown eyes narrowed and lips pressed in a firm line. You thought he couldn’t be scarier without the mask but you were wrong.
“Dont have one anymore.”
“How does-“
“They’re dead.” Simon had a straight face and told you as if you asked him about the weather.
The horror in your eyes spoke for itself. You had just made an absolute fool of yourself and could only imagine how it made Simon feel. Simons eyes softened slightly as he saw your jaw go slack and cheeks turn the brightest shade of red he’d seen on you.
“Well, I’m an asshole! I’m, sorry. We can talk about something else. Um, y-you see the Manchester game?” You babbled like an idiot. There was also no Manchester game so you sounded even more like an idiot.
Of course, you shouldn’t have brought up family with a guy as reserved as Ghost. You didn’t even know his birthday why would you bring up a topic like that. Sharing a piece of yourself felt like a good way to get to know each other better but it was a complete misstep. You wouldn’t be surprised if he just left at how tactless you were.
“Oi, it’s fine.” Ghost was now hovering behind you a heat radiating off his body that made you want to fall back into it.
“I’m, sorry either way.” You muttered thanking god you were chopping onions so you could blame the tears in your eyes on that.
The fact Simon had no one and you were here rubbing it in his face that you had family you were choosing to not see. It all made you sick to your stomach. No wonder he so willingly spent time with you yesterday and showed up again today. Simon must have been incredibly lonely to come searching for your company like this. The burn in your eyes only increased as the embarrassment set in.
“The holiday tends to be hard. So thanks for having me.” Simon voice was soft and genuine, a tone you’d never heard from him. It was much different compared to the menacing look he had just worn.
Turning around to get a read on his face you were met with the back of his head. He left you in the kitchen going to your living room and avoiding the wet spot on the sofa. The tv clicked on as he settled on something to watch. Thank god he did because the tears spilled over and you quickly wiped your eyes forgetting to clean your hands.
Heart thumping in your chest and eyes stinging, you wished you could erase whatever pain he must be feeling in that moment. Seeing his shoulders slumped as he flipped through the channels made you wonder if this is what he’d be doing by himself in his own home, on Christmas. You wondered how many Christmas’ he had spent alone.
—————-
“Soooo, I burnt dinner.” You appeared in the doorway of the living room with a bashful smile, being met with the smell of tobacco. It had been over an hour since you two spoke. Simon sat comfortably on his phone with a black and white Christmas film on. You were grateful he stayed after your blunder in the kitchen.
“Yeah, I could smell it. Ordering take out.” A cigarette hung from his lips as he reached forward and poured you a glass of wine from the bottle left on the coffee table the previous night. He had fixed himself a drink too, although it remained untouched.
“What are the options?” You nosily looked at his phone as you crawled on to the couch next to him.
Searching for any sign he might be upset with you. The proximity between you two significantly closer than the previous night since you were both avoiding the wet spot near the open window. Simon took advantage of this opportunity of closeness and placed a hand on your knee squeezing lightly to let you know without words he was fine. The touch eased your racing heart. This was your chance to be bold as your knees lightly knocked together. You leaned in feeling Simon tense slightly. His breath hitched as you rested your chin on his shoulder peering down at his phone.
“I’m not too picky.” He breathed voice slightly shaky eyes staying trained on the small screen in his hands.
“Chinese?” You whispered being aware of how close your mouth was to his ear.
“Yeah, works for me.”
His thumbs moved over the screen as you stayed in this position picking out your preferred food and choosing to split a few things. It was endearing to see the goose bumps on his neck appear and disappear each time you spoke. Over time they slowly stopped as he became comfortable with this small touch. Eventually taking the chance he leaned in a little closer as you two fell into a comfortable silence watching the movie.
—————-
It was a pretty quiet night. Only exchanging a few words here and there. You noticed Simon picked at his food being more interested in his phone at times. He was sweet though, a sweetness you didn’t realize such a reserved man could have. Words clearly didn’t match his feelings.
He wouldn’t allow you to pay for the food, made sure your glass was full, and helped set the table. Going as far as to light the candles that sat in the middle and turning off the over head light. It left you in a orange glow much more romantic than you thought he was capable of.
Now, Simon was standing next to you, tattooed arm coated in soapy water as he did the dishes while you dried them. Billie Holiday was playing in the background as you swayed to the beat lightly singing along. It surprised you that this was what Simon would pick to listen to. You had assumed he was a heavy metal or classic rock kind of guy, but he mentioned in passing how he ‘appreciates jazz.’
“Thanks for being here, Simon.” Your voice was soft and delicate having not spoken for almost an hour now. Being able to call Ghost by his proper name made you feel so much closer to him. He was trusting you with parts of himself he normally wouldn’t, now being able to see him maskless for the entirety of the day.
Turning his focus from the sink to you, his heart began to pick up speed. God, were you beautiful. Simon couldn’t help but admire you even more in the comforts of your own dwelling. You at home was worlds different than at the confines of work, where you were much more rigid. It infuriated him how you made him think such ludicrous thoughts. You had infected his mind.
Simon drank in your appearance and how lucky he was to be spending these moment with you. Your hair was messy from how you nervously played with it all day and your cheeks had remained rosy since you caught him admiring you over dinner.
You had changed your shirt after spilling wine on yourself, now situated in his oversized hoodie. Simon had offered it to you due to the window being open on account of his smoking and there was no way in hell you’d turn that down. He loved the way you looked in his clothes; how they swallowed you whole.
Feeling his gaze you looked up meeting him with doe eyes. Why, did you have this affect on him. You made his resolve crumble, his chest tighten, it was maddening. The way you bit your bottom lip trying to refrain from smiling had him reeling.
Reaching forward with soapy wet hand Simons thumb and forefinger lightly pulled your chin up giving him a better view of your precious features. He reveled in the way you turned to putty under his touch.
You swallowed hard as his eyes became lidded, holding your breath as you watched him bend down towards you. Both of your eyes were closed before the sensation of his lips ghosting yours was felt. Your hands taking purchase on his chest as you eagerly leaned in to meet him. Your brain short circuited as you finally were able to feel his lips pressed against yours.
The kiss started out feather light and slow, an electricity shooting through your spine. Simons lips were softer than you expected, tasting of black tea and biscuits as they moved against yours. In the coming moments you would find yourself desperate for more as he pulled away with shaky breath, the white air visible between you. Standing on the balls of your feet you chased after his fleeting lips.
“You’re a needy one.” His voice was thick and gravely as he flirted.
You could feel Simons words reverberate through his chest as your fingers curled tugging on his t-shirt lightly for him to come back. Who was he to deny you when you looked at him like that. As if your world would fall to pieces if he didn’t give in to your desires. So he did just that. This time eagerly.
Simon laced his finger through your messy hair and pulled on your belt loop to bring your body in, flush against his. Planting his lips firmly against yours. Your skin burned in the cold kitchen as you let out the tiniest moan at Simons boldness, not caring about the dish water running down your neck. Your hands slid from his toned chest, as you circled your arms around his neck giving you some leverage to deepen the kiss. A groan left Simons throat as he felt your tongue swipe across his bottom lip.
Simon kept you close to his chest, muscular arms now wrapped around your waist as he broke away and hugged you. Hands splayed across your back holding you tight, lifting you slightly off the ground. Your toes were skimming the hardwood floor as you tightened your arms around his neck, bringing yourself further from the floor. Simon could feel your heart beating against his own.
“Fuck. Better than I imagined, dove.”
Your heart swelled twice it’s size hearing him call you something so sweet. The embrace had you melting into him. Trying to commit this all to memory so you’d never forget what it felt like to be held by Simon Riley. How he smelled of honey and tobacco while his embrace warmed you like a campfire. The way his solid frame cocooned your much smaller one making you feel the safest you ever had.
“Back at you.” You smiled resting your face comfortably on his firm chest admiring how small you felt in his arms.
Your feet found the solid ground once again. The two of you stayed in a warm embrace as Billie Holidays ‘Solitude’ crackled over the speaker. Simons hands found their way back to your waist swaying with you as the music swelled, keeping you close to his chest. The feeling on his thumbs pressed into your hips as you ran your finger through the back of his hair was intoxicating.
This moment was held with reverence by both of you. A silent prayer shared, never wanting this dance to end. Soaking in the words. You could feel his chest vibrate as he mumbled the words inaudibly. The fact he knew this song well enough to whisper along caused an ache in your heart. You two stayed like this until the record came to an end needing to be flipped.
The warm hum of the spinning record was all that could be heard as Simon placed a kiss to the top of your head. With the new silence you rested your chin on his chest looking up at his handsome face.
Simon expression was soft as some emotion you couldn’t quite put your finger on danced in his eyes. It felt like maybe, just maybe, you two had fallen in love. You felt him take a deep breath as he separated himself from you. His touch was gone as quick as it came leaving you cold and yearning for more. Simons attention was back to finishing the task at hand, handing you a dish to dry and put away.
“Flip the record?” He asked only to be ignored.
“So, why didn’t you kiss me last night?” You asked putting the plate away.
“Are you always this annoying?” He joked.
“Guess you’re gonna have to stick around and find out.” You giggled earning a warm smile from Simon. His hand giving your waist a gentle squeeze.
——————
“I don’t like the sound of this game.” Ghost groaned as he sat on your couch, man spreading like crazy.
You were sat in front of him on the floor the coffee table separating you. Another Christmas movie was playing in the background as you both had ‘accidentally’ gotten drunk. Your wine was long gone as the vodka and whiskey bottles sat next to each other.
“You said I could pick the game since you picked last night.” You teased, loving the way his hand rubbed his eyes in annoyance.
“Fuck it, fine.” The groan that left his lips was almost lewd.
“Okay! Here are the rules. I get to make an assumption about you and if I’m wrong I drink. If I’m right you drink.” Having been watching ‘Game of Thrones’ you were stealing Tyrion’s game from the last episode you watched. (Season 1 episode 9)
“Heard you the first time.”
“Your favorite colors black?” You asked watching Simon take a swig from his glass.
“You’re a Manchester fan?” Rolling his eyes at how obvious that last question was Simon drank again. Feeling confident you continued.
“Okay, you’re 6’2?”
“Taller, drink.” The smug look on his face was infuriating as you took a swig.
“You’re secretly friends with Price?” A giddy laugh left your lips are you watched the above 6’2 man drink again. Followed up with ‘me too!’
“I’m on a roll! You hate romantic comedies?” Again Simon drank. An unamused expression gracing his ruggedly handsome face.
“You think I’m pretty.” This one came out as more of a fact than a question. Your eyes widened as he finished his drink completely. As if to put emphasis that he really did find you attractive.
“Let me thin-“
“My turn.” Simon interrupted ignoring the rules of the game.
“You want me to spend the night?” He had leaned forward elbows resting on his knees eyes boring into yours.
It could have been the liquor that made your cheeks flush or maybe it was Simons boldness. Not trusting your voice you poured yourself a shot and took it quickly hoping to gain more courage. Making sure to keep eye contact as you swallowed the acrid liquid. Sticking your tongue out afterward to prove it was gone. You didn’t mind being a shameless flirt.
“No sex?” He asked.
“Drink.” You almost whispered watching as he poured another drink sipping it soon after. You followed up with the same question.
“No sex?” His glass met his lips affirming your suspicion.
“Taking it slow?” You hesitantly added watching as he drank again.
“But. . . You’ll still spend the night?” Simon lifted his glass in the air beckoning for you to cheers with him. The pair of you wore bashful smiles as your glasses clank together.
“It’s already 2am. We should sleep.” You whispered shuffling to your feet. It was nice to hear him follow behind you.
Shutting your apartment down for the night you both cleaned the little mess that was left. You were shy telling Simon he didn’t have to sleep on the couch because of the damp spot. You stuttered when you mentioned he didn’t have to stay in his jeans since they would be uncomfortable. He declined choosing to keep them on as he crawled into bed next to you.
“Don’t pull any funny buisness” Simon warned as he settled next to you.
“Never.” You teased feeling his hand search for yours.
Your fingers interlocked as you both stayed on your own sides of the bed. Never in a million years did you think Ghost would share a bed with you let alone be holding your hand as you drifted off to sleep. It was comforting having someone beside you causing you to fade into sleep quicker than usual.
“Y/N?” All that could be heard was the steady sound of your breathing as you slept soundly.
“I’ll be good to you. I promise.”
——————
Song:
Tag list:
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