Biography
Ella Fitzgerald, born April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia, overcame a difficult childhood marked by poverty and family instability to become one of the most celebrated jazz vocalists of the 20th century. After her mother's death, Fitzgerald struggled with homelessness and reform school, but her fortunes changed dramatically when she won an amateur contest at Harlem's Apollo Theater in 1934. This victory led to her joining the Chick Webb Orchestra, where her 1938 recording of 'A-Tisket, A-Tasket' became a national sensation and established her as a rising star.
Following Chick Webb's death in 1939, Fitzgerald took over as bandleader before launching a solo career in the early 1940s. She became renowned for her pure tone, impeccable diction, and especially her virtuosic scat singing—a style she helped popularize in jazz. Under the management of Norman Granz, Fitzgerald recorded the landmark 'Songbook' series for Verve Records, interpreting classics by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin, among others. Her collaborations with jazz greats such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington further cemented her legacy.
Known as the 'First Lady of Song,' Fitzgerald's career spanned nearly six decades, during which she won 14 Grammy Awards and sold over 40 million albums. Her influence extended far beyond jazz, inspiring generations of vocalists with her technical mastery and emotional depth. Fitzgerald's contributions to American music were recognized with numerous honors, including the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She passed away on June 15, 1996, leaving behind an enduring legacy as one of the greatest interpreters of the Great American Songbook.
Fun Facts
- Ella Fitzgerald was the first African American woman to win a Grammy Award, receiving her first in 1958.
- She was renowned for her improvisational scat singing, often using her voice like a jazz instrument.
- Fitzgerald recorded over 200 albums and around 2,000 songs during her career.
- Despite her fame, Fitzgerald was known for her humility and shyness offstage.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Chick Webb - Band leader who gave Fitzgerald her first major opportunity and mentored her during her early years with his orchestra. ('A-Tisket, A-Tasket', numerous recordings with the Chick Webb Orchestra) [1935-1939]
- Louis Armstrong - Stylistic influence, especially in scat singing and improvisation; later became a key collaborator. (Inspired Fitzgerald's vocal improvisation; later collaborated on albums such as 'Ella and Louis') [1930s (influence), 1950s (collaborations)]
Key Collaborators
- Louis Armstrong - Frequent duet partner; recorded several acclaimed albums together. ('Ella and Louis', 'Ella and Louis Again', 'Porgy and Bess') [1956-1959]
- Duke Ellington - Collaborated on recordings and performances, notably on the 'Songbook' series. ('Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook')
- The Ink Spots - Recorded hit songs together. ('Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall') [1940s]
- Norman Granz - Manager and producer; founded Verve Records to showcase Fitzgerald's work. (Jazz at the Philharmonic tours, 'Songbook' albums) [1946-1990s]
Artists Influenced
- Aretha Franklin - Cited Fitzgerald as a major vocal influence, particularly in phrasing and improvisation. (General influence on Franklin's jazz and pop vocal style) [1960s-2010s]
- Diana Krall - Inspired by Fitzgerald's interpretations of the Great American Songbook. (Krall's jazz standards albums) [1990s-present]
- Natalie Cole - Influenced by Fitzgerald's vocal technique and jazz repertoire. (Cole's jazz and standards recordings) [1970s-2010s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ella and Louis | 1956-10-01 | Album |
| Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas (Expanded Edition) | 1960-01-01 | Album |
| Ella And Louis Again | 1957-02-25 | Album |
| Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Song Book | 1956-01-01 | Album |
| Porgy And Bess | 1958-01-01 | Album |
| Ella Sings Gershwin | 1950-09-11 | Album |
| Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Duke Ellington Song Book | 1957-01-01 | Album |
| Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Rodgers And Hart Song Book | 1956-01-01 | Album |
| Evr’y Time We Say Goodbye - All-Time Romantic Duets | 2012-03-13 | Album |
| The War Years (1941-1947) | 1994-09-13 | Album |
| Get Happy! (Expanded Edition) | 1959-01-01 | Album |
| Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Irving Berlin Song Book | 1958-01-01 | Album |
| Ella: The Legendary Decca Recordings | 1995-08-29 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Dream A Little Dream Of Me - Single Version
- Summertime (Porgy And Bess)
- Cheek To Cheek (Ella and Louis)
- Cheek To Cheek
- They Can't Take That Away From Me (Ella and Louis)
- I've Got A Crush On You (Ella Sings Gershwin)
- Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall - Single Version
- Autumn In New York (Ella And Louis Again)
- Blue Skies (Get Happy! (Expanded Edition))
- It's Only A Paper Moon (The War Years (1941-1947))
External Links
Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #aln-sh, #big-band
References
Heard on WWOZ
ella fitzgerald has been played 50 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.