Billie Holiday — Questions and answers

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What famous song did Billie Holiday perform for the first time in 1939 at Café Society?

Choices

  1. A) Blue Moon
  2. B) God Bless the Child
  3. C) Strange Fruit ✓
  4. D) Summertime

Answer: C) Strange Fruit

From page 1

What was Billie Holiday's original name when she was young?

Choices

  1. A) Lady Day
  2. B) Eleanora Fagan ✓
  3. C) Maya Angelou
  4. D) Bessie Smith

Answer: B) Eleanora Fagan

From page 2

Who helped Billie Holiday get her first recording session at Columbia Records in 1933?

Choices

  1. A) Benny Goodman
  2. B) Lester Young
  3. C) John Hammond ✓
  4. D) Joe Glaser

Answer: C) John Hammond

From page 3

When Billie Holiday toured with Count Basie's orchestra, what challenge did she often face because of segregation?

Choices

  1. A) She had to write all the songs
  2. B) She couldn't sing loudly enough
  3. C) She was denied entry through front doors ✓
  4. D) She had to play an instrument too

Answer: C) She was denied entry through front doors

From page 4

What was the nickname given to Billie Holiday that was forged during her partnership with Lester Young?

Choices

  1. A) Lady Sings the Blues
  2. B) Lady Day ✓
  3. C) Prez
  4. D) Strange Fruit

Answer: B) Lady Day

From page 5

Why did Billie Holiday face immense pressure before performing 'Strange Fruit'?

Choices

  1. A) She forgot the lyrics
  2. B) The song was too long
  3. C) People worried the song was too controversial ✓
  4. D) She didn't want to sing it

Answer: C) People worried the song was too controversial

From page 6

What happened in Café Society right before Billie Holiday performed 'Strange Fruit'?

Choices

  1. A) Everyone started dancing
  2. B) A profound silence descended ✓
  3. C) The lights went out completely
  4. D) The band played a loud introduction

Answer: B) A profound silence descended

From page 7

Who became Billie Holiday's target because he thought her influence was a threat?

Choices

  1. A) Barney Josephson
  2. B) Joe Glaser
  3. C) Harry Anslinger ✓
  4. D) Lester Young

Answer: C) Harry Anslinger

From page 8

What happened to Billie Holiday in 1947 that made it hard for her to perform in clubs?

Choices

  1. A) She lost her voice
  2. B) Her cabaret card was taken away ✓
  3. C) She decided to retire
  4. D) She moved to another country

Answer: B) Her cabaret card was taken away

From page 9

What kind of mark did Billie Holiday leave on music and civil rights after she passed away?

Choices

  1. A) A small, forgotten mark
  2. B) A confusing, unclear mark
  3. C) A permanent and inspiring mark ✓
  4. D) A mark that only famous people remember

Answer: C) A permanent and inspiring mark

From page 10