On this day in 1917, Ella Fitzgerald, one of the most beloved and influential voices in the history of jazz, was born in Newport News, Virginia. Often referred to as the “First Lady of Song,” “Queen of Jazz,” and “Lady Ella,” Fitzgerald’s pure tone, impeccable diction, and extraordinary improvisational ability would leave an indelible mark on the world of music.
Early life and influences
Ella Fitzgerald’s early life was far from easy. After losing her mother at a young age and enduring periods of poverty and homelessness, she found solace in music. Her initial love for dance gave way to singing, especially after winning the famed Amateur Night at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem in 1934 — a moment that launched her remarkable career.
Fitzgerald drew early inspiration from the swing and big band styles that dominated the 1930s, idolising artists like Louis Armstrong, Connee Boswell, and Bing Crosby. Armstrong’s playful phrasing and Boswell’s warm vocal style, in particular, influenced the effortless charm and phrasing that would come to define Ella’s own singing.
Career highlights
Ella Fitzgerald’s career spanned nearly six decades and included recordings with many of the greatest names in jazz. After her breakthrough with the Chick Webb Orchestra, with whom she recorded the smash hit “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” in 1938, she quickly rose to fame. When Webb died, Fitzgerald led the band herself — a rare feat for a woman, especially an African-American woman, at that time.
In the 1950s and 1960s, her collaborations with Verve Records under producer Norman Granz led to her most celebrated body of work: the “Songbook” series. These albums saw Fitzgerald interpreting the work of great American composers such as Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Rodgers and Hart. They remain landmarks of vocal jazz and popular music.
Throughout her career, she won 13 Grammy Awards and sold over 40 million albums. She was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan and the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H. W. Bush.
Reception and legacy
Critics and audiences alike adored Ella Fitzgerald. Her flawless technique, mastery of scat singing, and incredible three-octave vocal range set her apart. Jazz great Benny Carter once remarked, “She has a voice like crystal water.” Fitzgerald broke racial barriers, performing at venues that were previously closed to Black artists, and helped elevate jazz to a respected art form worldwide.
Her interpretation of the Great American Songbook became definitive for many listeners. Her renditions of standards often became so associated with her that they eclipsed earlier versions. Artists across genres — from jazz to pop to rock — have cited her as an influence.
Key collaborations
Ella Fitzgerald worked with a dazzling array of musicians across her career, including:
- Louis Armstrong – Their albums Ella and Louis (1956) and Ella and Louis Again (1957) remain timeless classics.
- Count Basie – Together, they recorded Ella and Basie! (1963), a swinging masterpiece.
- Duke Ellington – They collaborated on Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook, the only Songbook where the composer himself participated.
- Oscar Peterson – Fitzgerald and the virtuoso pianist shared many fine recordings and concerts.
Most important songs
Some of Ella Fitzgerald’s most celebrated songs include:
- “Summertime”
- “Misty”
- “Cheek to Cheek”
- “How High the Moon”
- “Dream a Little Dream of Me”
- “Someone to Watch Over Me”
- “Cry Me a River”
- “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”
- “A-Tisket, A-Tasket”
Her version of “Mack the Knife,” famously performed live in Berlin in 1960 when she forgot the lyrics and improvised masterfully, is often hailed as one of the greatest live performances ever recorded.
Today’s influence and covers
Ella Fitzgerald’s influence remains strong today. Modern jazz and pop singers like Diana Krall, Norah Jones, and Gregory Porter cite her as a formative inspiration.
Her songs continue to be covered by contemporary artists. For example, Lady Gaga honoured her legacy in her jazz albums with Tony Bennett, while Samara Joy, a rising star in vocal jazz, channels Fitzgerald’s elegant phrasing and improvisational spirit. Tribute albums and concerts dedicated to Ella’s music keep her work alive for new generations.
Streaming services have also introduced younger audiences to her magic, with “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and “Cheek to Cheek” finding renewed popularity in film soundtracks, adverts, and television shows.
Also read: ON THIS DAY: Charlotte Brontë is born (1816) and Mark Twain dies (1910)
