Billie Holiday's relationship with her parents profoundly affected her life choices. Her mother was a single parent who struggled with financial difficulties, which instilled in Holiday a sense of urgency to succeed in her career. The absence of a stable father figure led her to seek love and validation through music and romantic relationships. Holiday's tumultuous childhood fostered both resilience and vulnerability, reflected in her performances. The emotional depth of her experiences shaped her style, influencing her choices in song selection and themes, ultimately solidifying her legacy as a powerful voice in the jazz genre.