Ella Fitzgerald, known as "The First Lady of Song" and "Queen of Jazz," was an American jazz vocalist who captivated audiences with her pure tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, and a horn-like improvisational ability. Born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia, Fitzgerald moved to Yonkers, New York, with her mother shortly after her birth, where she began her journey into music following a troubled childhood. Her career took off in 1934 when she won an amateur night at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, catching the attention of bandleader Chick Webb, with whom she would record her first hit, "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," in 1938.

Over a career that spanned six decades, Ella Fitzgerald became an icon of jazz, collaborating with other legends such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie, and producing an extensive discography that showcased her versatility across swing, be-bop, and ballads. She mastered the Great American Songbook, as well as numerous jazz standards, and her interpretations often became definitive versions. Her accolades include 13 Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ella's impact on jazz and American music as a whole remains profound, with recent releases like "Ella & Louis Wish You A Swinging Holiday" and "Ella Fitzgerald - Legendary Recordings" offering a glimpse into her storied past performances. Despite her passing on June 15, 1996, her music continues to inspire listeners worldwide.

Genres

Adult Standards

Jazz

Jazz Blues

Soul

Swing

Vocal Jazz

Related Artists

Billie Holiday

Dinah Washington

Frank Sinatra

Sarah Vaughan

Louis Armstrong

Nina Simone

Peggy Lee

Anita O'Day

Diana Krall

Tony Bennett

Nancy Wilson

Sammy Davis Jr.

Latest Release

Ella & Louis Wish You A Swinging Holiday

Ella Fitzgerald•

Louis Armstrong

Album - 26 Tracks - Released November 2, 2024