As a jazz singer, Betty Shirley has more in common with Billie Holiday than just a finely tuned voice. She’s had hardships too, but unlike her great predecessor, Shirley overcame her rough beginnings and brought herself from rural Mississippi via Chicago and New York to New Orleans.

Since arriving here five years ago, Shirley has been a regular at Jazz Fest and is a nominee in this year’s Big easy Awards as Best Female Performer. Her Jazz Fest performance begins at noon at the Jazz Tent on...