Billie Holiday: The Graphic Novel: Women in Jazz

Dive into the celebrated life of "Lady Day" with this fully-illustrated graphic novel that tells the story of Billie Holiday's rapid--and, at times, grueling--rise to become one of the best musicians who ever lived.

From her days as a young entertainer performing for small jazz clubs in Harlem, to headlining sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall, every trouble and triumph of Billie Holiday's bold, influential career is featured in this graphic novel from Fantoons.

Throughout the book's 144 pages of dazzling color illustrations, readers will revisit Billie's peak years as she helped lead the transition from the Harlem Renaissance to the iconic Swing Era alongside some of the top names in jazz--including Artie Shaw, Lester Young, and Count Basie.

Meanwhile, readers will learn the true history behind the making and recording of some of Billie's most-classic hits, like "God Bless the Child," and "Strange Fruit," the latter of which is considered to be the first protest song of the civil rights era.

Widely recognized as one of the greatest jazz singers of all time, Billie's emotive voice, distinct phrasing, and flawless technique cemented her place as an American icon. Now, new and longtime fans alike have the opportunity to learn more about Lady Day's short but spectacular life.

At a time when the country is struggling with issues involving identity and race, this graphic novel provides a timely look into the fascinating life of a fighter, survivor, and world-renowned artist.

Author: Ebony Gilbert, David Calcano
Publisher: Fantoons
Published: 04/20/2021
Pages: 148
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 2.25lbs
Size: 10.20h x 10.10w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781970047134

About the Author
Ebony Gilbert is the co-author of Women in Jazz Graphic Novels: Billie Holiday. Strongly impacted by the poverty, violence, and drug use she witnessed as a child living in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood, Ebony has devoted her life to using the written word to highlight marginalized communities, give a voice to the voiceless, and capture the experiences of the disenfranchised.

While in high school, Ebony served as a frequent contributor to the Miami Herald and the Miami Times, where she published stories that called out the systemic racism and inequality facing minority youth. After earning a degree in English from the University of Florida, where she researched Black women in media, Ebony moved to Los Angeles and interned for a variety of high-profile media companies, including BET, The Queen Latifah Show, and Overbrook, Will Smith's production company, all while earning her M.F.A. in Screenwriting from Loyola Marymount University.

In addition to co-writing and directing complex[ion] woman, an award-winning play that explores the intricacies of Black womanhood, Ebony was named a 2018 Writer to Watch by WeForShe. She currently works as a story editor on The CW's Batwoman.

David Calcano is the founder and creative director of Fantoons, an animation studio based in Los Angeles. David was born in Caracas, Venezuela and has been watching cartoons ever since he was inside his mom's belly. As an adult, he moved to the UK, where he worked as a systems engineer until he dropped his career to pursue his true dream: to build an animation studio, create cartoons and publish books that merge music and creative art. Throughout his career, David has worked hand-in-hand with some of the top companies and musical artists around the world, including The Walt Disney Company, Rush, Alice Cooper, Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, Mr. Big, Universal Music, Poison, and Steve Martin.