Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Ella Jane Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer often referred to as the "First Lady of Song," "The Summertime Songstress," or simply "Lady Ella."
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia
Died: June 15, 1996, in Los Angeles, California
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Ella Fitzgerald was an American vocalist who primarily worked as a jazz singer. Throughout her career, she also experimented with other genres such as pop, blues, and classical music.
Early Life and Background
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Ella Fitzgerald grew up in a low-income household with her parents and siblings in Newport News, Virginia. Her early life was marked by poverty and instability. At the age of 15, Ella married Benjamin Kornegay but divorced him just eight months later due to his violent behavior.
When she was 17 years old, Ella went to a dance concert at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York City. The vocalist who performed that night left an indelible mark on her life as she aspired to become just like her. However, it wasn't until the age of 17 when she won first prize singing the song "Jingle Bells" off-key, but impressing everyone with her natural talent and voice quality.
Major Accomplishments
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Ella Fitzgerald's illustrious music career spanned over five decades, during which she released more than 200 albums. Her impressive discography includes numerous award-winning recordings that continue to inspire generations of jazz singers. Some notable achievements include:
Grammy Award Winner: Ella was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1967 and received a total of 13 Grammy Awards throughout her career.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame: Ella Fitzgerald became one of the first female artists to be inducted into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame in 1982.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Ella's most notable works include:
The Summertime Songstress: Her rendition of George Gershwin's "Summertime" is widely regarded as one of her greatest performances.
Songbook Series: Ella recorded a series of albums featuring the songs of individual composers, such as Cole Porter and Rodgers & Hart.
Impact and Legacy
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Ella Fitzgerald left an indelible mark on the world of jazz music. Her groundbreaking techniques and captivating stage presence have inspired countless artists, including Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra. Her impact extends far beyond her own genre, as she has influenced numerous musicians across various styles.
Ella's legacy is also evident in her continued popularity among new generations of music lovers. Her iconic voice continues to inspire aspiring singers and musicians around the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Ella Fitzgerald's remarkable talent, captivating stage presence, and generosity towards young artists have cemented her place as one of the most revered figures in jazz history.
Quotes by Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald's insights on:
Coming through the years, and finding that I not only have just the fans of my day, but the young ones of today – that’s what it means, it means it was worth all of it.
Sometimes when we’re flying or in the hotel, I might run over songs, or in the bathroom.
Ella knows her way around her voice as very few people today. But there are times when she seems to be unaware there are things the human voice just doesn’t do. She does them.
I’m very shy, and I shy away from people. But the moment I hit the stage, it’s a different feeling I get nerve from somewhere; maybe it’s because it’s something I love to do.
I’ve had some wonderful love affairs and some that didn’t work out. I don’t want to dwell on that and I don’t want to put people down, but I think all the fabulous places I’ve been, the wonderful things that have happened for me, the great people I’ve met – that ought to make a story.
I guess what everyone wants more than anything else is to be loved. And to know that you loved me for my singing is too much for me. Forgive me if I don’t have all the words. Maybe I can sing it and you’ll understand.
I don’t want to say the wrong thing, which I always do. I think I do better when I sing.