Ethel Ennis

Biography

Ethel Ennis (1932–2019) was a celebrated American jazz vocalist renowned for her rich, expressive voice and deep ties to her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. Raised in a devout Methodist household in West Baltimore, Ennis began her musical journey playing piano and singing hymns at Ames United Methodist Church under her mother's guidance. By age 15, she was already performing at nightclubs along Pennsylvania Avenue, a bold move that marked her entry into the world of jazz and blues[2][3].

Ennis released her first single in 1956 and quickly signed with Capitol Records, earning acclaim from jazz luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald, who called her a favorite among young singers[3]. Throughout her seven-decade career, she shared stages with icons like Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway, and Louis Armstrong, and performed at major events including the Newport Jazz Festival and the inaugurations of Presidents Nixon and Carter[1][2][3]. Despite opportunities for greater commercial fame, Ennis chose to remain rooted in Baltimore, focusing on community engagement and authenticity in her artistry. She co-founded Ethel’s Place, a renowned jazz club, and became known as 'Baltimore’s First Lady of Jazz,' leaving a legacy of musical excellence and civic commitment[1][2].

Fun Facts

• Ethel Ennis defied her devoutly Methodist grandmother’s wishes by pursuing jazz, yet always adhered to her grandmother’s advice to stay true to herself[1].
• She married journalist Earl Arnett in defiance of Maryland’s anti-miscegenation laws, and together they ran the influential jazz club Ethel’s Place in Baltimore[3].
• Ennis performed the national anthem at President Richard Nixon’s second inauguration in 1973 and at the White House for President Jimmy Carter[1][2].
• She was praised by jazz legends—Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald all admired her voice, with Fitzgerald calling her a favorite young singer[3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ethel Ennis's mother - Taught her hymns and piano in childhood, shaping her early musical foundation (Church performances at Ames United Methodist Church) [1930s–1940s]

Key Collaborators

• Miles Davis - Shared the stage during live jazz performances (Various concerts and jazz festivals) [1950s–1970s]
• Benny Goodman - Performed together at jazz events (Live performances) [1950s–1970s]
• Cab Calloway - Collaborated on stage during jazz concerts (Live performances) [1950s–1970s]
• Dizzy Gillespie - Shared stages at jazz events (Live performances) [1950s–1970s]
• Earl Arnett - Husband and business partner; co-founded Ethel’s Place jazz club (Ethel’s Place (jazz club)) [1984–1988]

Artists Influenced

• Charenée Wade - Performed tributes and celebrated Ennis’s legacy at memorial events (Peabody Institute memorial concert, birthday tributes) [2019–present]
• Cyrus Chestnut - Baltimore pianist inspired by Ennis’s community and musical impact; performed at her tribute events (Birthday bash at Keystone Korner) [2019]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Have You Forgotten? (Have You Forgotten?)
2. My Foolish Heart (Change Of Scenery)
3. I Remember (The Corn Fields Of Home) (Change Of Scenery)
4. Blue Prelude (Lullabies for Losers - Change of Scenery - Have You Forgotten?)
5. Falling Leaves (Once Again...)
6. I've Got You Under My Skin (Lullabies for Losers - Change of Scenery - Have You Forgotten?)
7. Serenade In Blue (Have You Forgotten?)
8. The Moon Was Yellow (And the Night Was Young) (This Is Ethel Ennis)
9. Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye (Change Of Scenery)
10. Dreamer-Dreamer (Lullabies for Losers) - 2025 Digitally Remastered (Four Classic Albums Plus (Lullabies for Losers / Change of Scenery / Have You Forgotten? / The Fascinating Ernestine))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #jazz, #vocal-jazz