Billie Holiday's musical career was heavily influenced by her social background, marked by poverty and racial discrimination. Experiencing hardship and instability during her childhood deeply affected her emotional expression in music. Her encounters with racism and personal trauma resonated in her songs, leading to powerful performances that conveyed profound pain and resilience. The impact of her upbringing instilled a sense of authenticity in her craft, enabling her to connect with audiences and become a voice against social injustice in the jazz community.