Don't Call It A Comeback

New Standards | Apr 13, 2015

In 1947, when Billie Holiday was released from Alderson Federal Prison, her career stood on shaky ground. The arrest had been accompanied by loss of privilege, her license to perform in the nightclubs of New York City (cabaret card) had been revoked. The clubs were where Holiday made her money. How would she survive?

Within a few days of her release, Holiday booked a sold out show at Carnegie Hall. The singer would go on to play the hall more than 22 times during her life. Jonathan Schwartz tells the story.

The Jonathan Channel is celebrating Billie Holiday’s 100th birthday throughout April with “A Centennial Holiday: 100 Years of Lady Day." Hear the songs that made her a star and the stories that made her a legend - this month on The Jonathan Channel.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

Jack Schlossberg, the Kennedy Running for Congress in New York. Plus, the Astronaut Reid Wiseman

The candidate on the role of social media in politics, and speaking out against his cousin R.F.K., Jr. Plus, the commander of NASA’s Artemis II mission on the dark side of the moon.

The New Yorker Radio Hour |

NJ Gov. Sherrill: If state police were too aggressive at Delaney Hall, we'll look into it

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill took call after call Wednesday night from people who told her state police had been overly aggressive in violent clashes with protesters outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center this weekend.

Ask Governor Sherrill |

I.C.E.'s "Wartime Recruitment" Campaign

Hiring at the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency.

On the Media |

Ask the Mayor Recap and More News From City Hall

Elizabeth Kim discusses the issues Mayor Mamdani talked about in his first "ask the mayor" segment.

The Brian Lehrer Show |