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Wishing on the Moon

The Life and Times of Billie Holiday

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Wishing on the Moon

By: Donald Clarke
Narrated by: Anna Fields
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About this listen

No singer has been more mythologized and more misunderstood than jazz legend Billie Holiday, who helped to create much of the mystique herself with her autobiography, Lady Sings the Blues - and this authentic biography sets the record straight. Donald Clarke was given unrivaled access to a treasure trove of interviews from the 1970s with those who knew Lady Day in all stages of her short, tragic life - from her childhood in the streets and good-time houses of Baltimore, through the early days of success in New York and the years of fame, to her tragic decline and death at the age of 44. This biography separates fact from fiction to reveal the true Billie Holiday.

©1994 Donald Clarke (P)1997 Blackstone Audiobooks Cultural & Regional Entertainment & Celebrities History & Criticism Music Women Celebrity Biography

Critic reviews

"A thoroughly riveting account of Holiday and her milieu." ( New York Newsday)
"May be the most thoroughly valuable of the many books on Holiday." ( The New York Times Book Review)
All stars
Most relevant
This was enriching and the narrative was so compelling. It dwelled into the life of an artist whose life was intertwined throughout the turmoil of drugs, booze, relationships, blues and jazz. The story teller was clear and frank - no hidden agenda's just the complex racism within the jazz era and how it engaged with Lady''s existence. I loved this narrative and would recommend to anyone who love the enriching melodies and history of this iconic person - Billie Holliday

Compelling and Gritty

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An extremely detailed and often harrowing look at Billie's life. Too lengthy and detailed in places. The reader does a good job but drones a bit in places. A fascinating insight into some of the great musicians she played with and their vices. Just needed pruning down a bit.

Incredibly in depth biography.

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This book is very lengthy and far too detailed. Covers intricate details of recordings, b sides, arrangements, band members. Many sentences consist of a list of names so it gets very tedious at times. It’s a shame as Billie Holiday’s story is absolutely fascinating and I would have liked to hear more about this.

Too much detail, not enough story

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Listening about such an icon opens your eyes about the struggles and difficulties in her life. Some parts are a little horrifying but all in all a great listen.
The reader drags on a little in places but apart from that still a great listen.

Eye opener.

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If you could sum up Wishing on the Moon in three words, what would they be?

A lively and vivid account of the life and art of lady day.

What did you like best about this story?

The level of detail both about her life and recordings was fascinating.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The ending was particularly poignant .

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh often.

A must read

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