Musicians who died on July 17

Take a focused look at the musicians who passed away on July 17. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 1959 Billie Holiday

  Billie Holiday was an influential American jazz and swing music singer, renowned for her deeply emotive vocal style and pioneering contributions to vocal jazz. Her unique phrasing and expressive delivery elevated songs like "Strange Fruit," "God Bless the Child," and "Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be?)" to classic status. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz … [bio]

• 1967 John Coltrane

  John Coltrane was an influential American jazz saxophonist and composer, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most innovative figures in the history of jazz. Coltrane's pioneering work with modal jazz and avant-garde jazz, especially through his classic albums such as 'Giant Steps,' 'My Favorite Things,' and 'A Love Supreme,' transformed jazz music. He collaborated with luminaries such as … [bio]