This large format, full-colour, lavishly illustrated book is a tribute to Lady Day and is created in cooperation with the estate of Billie Holiday. The book is edited and with an introduction by Nichelle Gainer, with a foreword by Whoopi Goldberg.
Lady Day: Body & Soul includes new and original contributions from, among others, contributing editor Chrishaunda Lee-Perez, Corinne Bailey Rae, Nile Rodgers, Rebecca Ferguson, Yvette Noel-Schure, Beverly Bond, Bozoma Saint John, Laretta Houston, Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir, Madeleine Peyroux, Mary Coughlan, Beth Gibbons and Billie’s goddaughter Lorraine Feather. Their words combine with contemporary quotes and memories of writers, performers and fans, including Ralph J. Gleason, Abbey Lincoln, Carmen McRae, Lena Horne, Angela Y. Davis and Hazel Scott.
The text is illustrated by classic, iconic and rarely-seen photographs of Billie from throughout her life, including those by William P. Gottlieb, Carl Van Vechten, Jean-Pierre Leloir, Charles Peterson, Bob Willoughby and Moneeta Sleet Jr.
About the author
Nichelle Gainer is the author of the Vintage Black Glamour books, she has contributed to many major magazines and websites, including InStyle, Essence and Glamour. She has been featured in The New York Times, the Washington Post, BBC News, the Guardian and NPR. Born and raised in New Jersey, she lives in New York.