Musicians & Composers · 20th Century
Billie Holiday’s Last Words
“God bless the child that's got his own.”— Billie Holiday, July 17, 1959
Who Was Billie Holiday?
Billie Holiday was the greatest jazz singer of all time, known for her deeply emotional vocal style and her song Strange Fruit, the first great protest song against racial lynching.
The Final Moments
Holiday died at Metropolitan Hospital in New York. She was arrested for drug possession on her deathbed and had her record player confiscated. She had $0.70 in her bank account.
Are These Words Verified?
No credible source documents these as actual last words. The phrase references her famous song; she was in a coma before death and her actual final words are unknown.
Sources
- archive Hospital records from Metropolitan Hospital
- biography Donald Clarke's Wishing on the Moon
- archive Contemporary police and medical reports
Legacy
Holiday's vocal influence extends far beyond jazz. Strange Fruit is considered one of the most important songs of the 20th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Billie Holiday’s last words?
“God bless the child that's got his own.”
How did Billie Holiday die?
Billie Holiday died on July 17, 1959 at the age of 44. Cause of death: Cirrhosis of the liver.
Were Billie Holiday’s last words documented?
No credible source documents these as actual last words. The phrase references her famous song; she was in a coma before death and her actual final words are unknown.