(1915-1959)
Born on April 7, 1915
Birth name: Eleanora Fagan Gough
She borrowed her professional name from film star, Billie Dove
In 1930, she began singing at a small club in Brooklyn.
In 1933, while working in Brooklyn she was discovered by the producer and talent scout John Hammond
In 1937, she teamed up with Count Basie
Between 1933 and 1944, she recorded over 200 songs, but she never received royalty for any of them
Portrayed in the movie "Lady Sings the Blues"
In 1946, she gave a triumphant concert at Town Hall and appeared in the movie "New Orleans"
Toured Europe in 1954
Died on July 17, 1959