Joey Arias in his Debut Performance as Billie Holiday in 1986

Joey Arias has won accolades for his exquisite impersonation of singing legend Billie Holiday, and Nelson Sullivan recorded Joey's first time doing that in Gaylords' 1939 World's Fair Spectacular at Limelight in 1986

[@louismedina8136]

The great Nelson Sullivan ... iconic history

[@teeniebeenie8774]

the one and only ICONIC JOEY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@albertmorris6162]

I got to meet Joey backstage at a club in South Beach. He was wearing a see-through chartreuse blouse, and was so charming. I told him, 'I like you even more than Billie Holiday because you're ALIVE.'

[@crispypoohs]

I saw Joey Arias's one man show with the puppets, which was fucking magical. This is so cool, just in terms of seeing how far he's come.

[@MarkHolman]

He is an amazing talent. I met him one night after a show here at Re-bar and he kinda autographed my poster. Loved this video it brought it all back.

[@gnogko]

It' s wonderfull! How fascinating he's !this channel is magic!

[@spectaclereplication]

yawn

[@NostaIgiaJunkie]

To each their own. Billie Holiday is a staple in Jazz and is legendary. Her voice is so unique and not easily replicated. So for his first time doing this live its pretty great. Look at his more recent songs of hers. I mean I love jazz so I assume u dont favor it. But as a fan of Billie this is not *yawn* material.

[@davidserrano3601]

Joey Arias is a New York City ICON! And this is at the LEGENDARY Limelight. Two words that will never be used to describe you, Icon or Legendary.