Joe Guy and Billie Holiday (inscribed to Holiday from Guy)

Joe Guy and Billie Holiday (inscribed to Holiday from Guy)

Birmingham trumpeter Joe Guy, an early bebop pioneer, was Billie Holiday's musical and romantic partner. (Known as husband and wife, they likely never formally married.) When the couple was busted for narcotics possession in 1947, Guy returned to Birmingham, his relationship with Holiday -- and his national career -- abruptly concluded. He continued to perform in local clubs until his death in 1962.

This original photo is inscribed to Holiday from Guy:

"To my Darling wife
I Love you Dear
Allways yours
Joe Guy"

Courtesy Gary and Kim Hatfield.

Photograph