Presents a biography of Billie Holiday, tracing the life of the famous jazz singer, from her youth in Philadelphia and Harlem to her death at the age of forty-four from complications that were the result of her heavy use of drugs and alcohol.

Eleanora -- Billie -- Ladies and gentlemen-- Billie Holiday -- A rising star -- On the road -- "Strange fruit" -- Life as Billie Holiday -- A slow descent into hell -- Jazz's falling star -- The spotlight dims.