Dubbed “The First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums. Her voice was flexible, wide-ranging, accurate and ageless .
How did Ella Fitzgerald make a difference?
Ella Fitzgerald is and always will be remembered for her contributions to jazz and popular song. Her unique, velvety voice is one of the things that separated her from every other rising star of her time. Her voice made her legendary, elevating her to the ranks of jazz icons Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.
Why is it important to learn about Ella Fitzgerald?
Legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996) became known as the “First Lady of Song,” “Queen of Jazz,” and “Lady Ella” for her singular tone. Ella Fitzgerald's voice featured prominently on the 1940s musical soundtrack. She was one of the superstars of the era and an all-time musical great.
What did Ella Fitzgerald do to change the world?
Ella Fitzgerald was one of the great voices of jazz. Throughout her career spanning over five decades, she contributed to defining different styles, such as swing and bebop , and recorded over 100 albums. She was the first African-American singer to obtain a Grammy Award.
How good was Ella Fitzgerald?
Fitzgerald had perfect pitch, impeccable diction and a remarkable sense of rhythm . And it all came naturally to her, as she told the CBC in 1974. ... Fitzgerald was discovered at an amateur contest and began her professional career when she was only 16, singing with the Chick Webb Orchestra at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom.
Why was Ella Fitzgerald so successful?
Dubbed “The First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums. ... She could sing sultry ballads, sweet jazz and imitate every instrument in an orchestra.
What are 3 interesting facts about Ella Fitzgerald?
- She was the first African-American woman to win multiple Grammy Awards. ...
- She became one of the first stars to perform during the Super Bowl Half Time Show. ...
- She was once a runner for local gamblers. ...
- Her first on stage performance was at the Apollo during Amateur Night.
Was Ella Fitzgerald shy?
Fitzgerald had very little self-confidence. From childhood on, she was painfully shy .
What style is the first lady of song?
Fitzgerald's style of singing heavily influenced ensuing generations of singers. She demonstrated an extraordinarily wide vocal range of 2.5 octaves, a special sense of rhythm and pitch and an unparalleled ability for mimicry and “scat” singing . Bing Crosby said it all: “Man, woman or child, Ella is the best.”
Did Ella Fitzgerald have a nickname?
Ella Fitzgerald, known as the “First Lady of Song” and “Lady Ella ,” was an immensely popular American jazz and song vocalist who interpreted much of the Great American Songbook.
Were Ella and Louis married?
Ella and Louis' was a musical marriage made in heaven , and today, over 60 years later, their recordings have lost none of their allure, charm, and luster.
Were Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday friends?
Holiday found herself in direct competition with the popular singer Ella Fitzgerald. The two later became friends . Fitzgerald was the vocalist for the Chick Webb Band, which was in competition with the Basie band.
What was Ella Fitzgerald's vocal range?
Her vocal range spanned three octaves . Ella was known for her purity of tone, near faultless phrasing and intonation, and improvisational ability.
Did Ella Fitzgerald write any songs?
Fitzgerald recorded several hit songs, including “Love and Kisses” and “(If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini)”. But it was her 1938 version of the nursery rhyme, “ A-Tisket, A-Tasket “, a song she co-wrote, that brought her public acclaim.
