But Wait—There's More
Find other great ideas in these related stories:
- The Dream List: Once-in-a-Lifetime Trips ›
- What Not To Wear: Dress Codes Worldwide ›
- 24 hours at the Edinburgh Festival ›
- Mind–Altering Vacations ›
- Geek Hotels ›
- Best Places to Get Naked ›
- Top Tech Destinations ›
- The Presidents as Travelers ›
- The Olympics Effect ›
- Long Weekend Getaways ›
- The Checklist: Sporting Events ›
LADY DAY'S BIG NIGHT
New York City, Spring 1933
The Moment: Record producer John Hammond visits Monette's Supper Club on 133rd Street in Harlem to see headliner Monette Moore, but discovers her substitute, 18-year-old Billie Holiday, instead. Hammond can't quite believe his ears, but reckons that the teenager with the gravelly, bluesy voice is the best jazz singer he has ever heard. His trusted (and musically inclined) friends confirm his gut instinct, and Hammond makes himself Billie's unofficial publicist. Holiday goes on to become enormously influential, despite her early death in 1959; poor Monette's closed down within three weeks of Billie’s discovery.
Where to go now: Harlem's legendary Lenox Lounge, once a regular stomping ground for Lady Day, serves up soul food and live music in its well-worn Art Deco–style front bar and the funky Zebra Room in back.
Lenox Lounge
288 Lenox Avenue
New York
Tel: 212 427 0253
RSS Feeds