The Little-Known Inspirations Behind the World’s Greatest Hits

In 1988, U2 captivated audiences with ‘Angel of Harlem,’ a vibrant tribute featuring a brass section. It was taken from their album Rattle and Hum, dedicated to Billie Holiday, a Harlem jazz icon whose impact on music remains monumental.

Billie Holiday’s life was a blend of triumph and turmoil. Despite overcoming a difficult childhood to achieve musical success, her life was marred by substance abuse and toxic relationships, leading to her premature demise at 44 in 1959.