Lady in Satin was recorded with Ray Ellis's orchestra and released in 1958. Holiday wanted a delicate orchestral setting and actively sought Ellis for the project. That choice matters: the arrangement is part of her artistic intention, not merely something imposed on a vulnerable singer.
A companion LP to Billie Holiday’s 1956 autobiography. Released in June 1956. Compiled from two sessions: September 1954 at Capitol Studios and June 1956 at Fine Sound Studios in New York City. Four tracks are new; eight are re-recordings of her biggest hits.
Songs for Distingué Lovers is Billie Holiday’s eighth studio album, recorded in early January 1957 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles under producer Norman Granz. It features interpretations of standards from the Great American Songbook performed with a small jazz ensemble, reuniting Holiday with longtime collaborators Harry Edison and Ben Webster. The original track listing comprises six songs, with a 1997 reissue adding six bonus tracks drawn from the same sessions and other late-1950s Verve albums. Personnel varied across tracks, particularly on double bass and drums, while core instrumentalists remained consistent throughout the sessions. The album was originally released in mono and stereo formats on Verve Records in 1958.