Billie Holiday's Prime?

Good stuff onhwy61. 

Any specific albums/recordings that you'd recommend?

TIA

singers like her/her style don't depend so much on age, clarity, whatever you call "vocal cord youth" and strength. It's the soulfulness, maturity, routine, balance, etc.  that that improve the quality and richness of her sound over time. 

Billies alchohol/drug addiction took its toll on her by the early 50's which obviously affected her health and talent.

IMO up to the 1959 "All or Nothing at all" is essential Billie.

Quite an evolution of recording technologies.  Will definitely follow this thread.

Her prime was in the 30's, but she still performed well in the 50's.

The Verve albums are some of my favorite recordings. And, the Phil Schaap compliation is a wonderful set with great sound.

Bob