Clarence Holiday

Clarence Halliday (1898–1937) (also known as Clarence Holiday) is an American musician and the probable father of singer, Billie Holiday.[1]

Early life

At the age of 15 years old, Halliday became the unmarried father of Billie Holiday who was born to 13 year old Sadie Fagan. Halliday rarely visited Fagan or her daughter.[2]

When he was 21 years old he moved from Baltimore to Philadelphia.[3]

Career

Halliday played rhythm guitar and banjo as a member of the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra (1928–33). Halliday also recorded with Benny Carter (1934) and Bob Howard (1935) and worked with Charlie Turner (1935), Louis Metcalf (1935–36), and the Don Redman Big Band (1936–37).

References

  1. ^ *Clarke, Donald (2000). Billie Holiday: Wishing on the Moon. New York: Da Capo Press. ISBN 0306811367. 
  2. ^ Billie Holiday: Wishing on the Moon, Donald Clarke
  3. ^ Billie Holiday: Wishing on the Moon, Donald Clarke