Ella Fitzgerald, also called “The First Lady of Song,” is one of the best jazz singers ever. Her career stretched over sixty years. She wowed fans everywhere with her smooth voice and incredible ability to scat sing. Ella could perform everything from jazz to swing, blues, and pop.
Her story is inspiring. She went from a tough childhood to global fame because of her talent and hard work. This biography looks at her early life, musical successes, struggles, and the mark she left on music.
Early Life and Struggles
Birth and Family Background
Ella was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia. Her parents split soon after, and her mom, Temperance, raised her in Yonkers, New York.
A Troubled Childhood
Ella had it rough growing up during the Great Depression. Money was tight. But she found joy in music and listened to artists like Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby.
Tragedy hit her in 1932 when her mom died. Ella was heartbroken. She started skipping school and got into trouble, which landed her in a reform school. The tough time there pushed her to change her life.
The Beginning of a Legendary Career
Amateur Night at the Apollo
Everything changed for Ella on November 21, 1934, at Amateur Night at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. She had planned to dance but ended up singing instead, because of stage fright. She performed songs like “Judy” and wowed everyone.
Her win at the Apollo caught the eye of bandleader Chick Webb, who invited her to sing with his band.
Rise to Fame with Chick Webb’s Orchestra
Ella joined Chick Webb’s band in 1935 and played at the famous Savoy Ballroom. She hit it big in 1938 with “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” which sold over a million copies.
After Webb passed away in 1939, Ella took over the band and renamed it Ella Fitzgerald and Her Famous Orchestra.
Establishing a Solo Career
The Birth of Scat Singing
In the early 1940s, Ella began to create her scat singing style, which uses silly sounds instead of words. She quickly became known as the queen of scat, changing how jazz vocals were done.
The Bebop Era and Working with Jazz Greats
As bebop jazz grew, she worked with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong. Her improv skills made her stand out among other singers.
The Songbook Series and Mainstream Success
Signing with Verve Records
In 1955, Ella signed with Verve Records, which was a great move for her career. Her manager, Norman Granz, helped launch the “Ella Fitzgerald Songbook” series. Ella recorded jazz versions of songs by famous writers like Cole Porter and Irving Berlin, becoming a top vocalist.
Ella and Louis: A Legendary Duo
Ella teamed up with Louis Armstrong for classic albums like Ella and Louis (1956) and Ella and Louis Again (1957). Their mix of styles created some of the best-loved jazz music.
Challenges and Resilience
Racism and Discrimination
Ella dealt with racism and discrimination in a divided America. She couldn’t perform at certain venues and some hotels wouldn’t take her.
A famous moment happened when Marilyn Monroe called a club owner in the 1950s, asking them to book Ella. Monroe promised to sit in the front row, which drew big crowds. This chance helped Ella perform where she had been turned away before.
Health Struggles in Later Years
Later in life, Ella fought against diabetes, which caused serious health issues. By 1993, she lost both legs to the disease and eventually stopped performing. But her love for music never faded.
Awards and Legacy
Major Achievements and Honors
Ella Fitzgerald won many awards during her career, like 13 Grammy Awards and the National Medal of Arts. She recorded over 200 albums and sold more than 40 million records. She inspired many singers, like Aretha Franklin and Adele.
Death and Lasting Impact
Ella passed away on June 15, 1996, at 79 years old in Beverly Hills, California. Her music and influence still inspire artists today.
Her beautiful voice, called “the most beautiful in the world,” lives on through her songs. Ella Fitzgerald will always be remembered as the First Lady of Song.
Conclusion
Ella Fitzgerald’s life story shows her strength and talent. She broke down racial barriers and changed jazz singing forever. Her impact is felt across generations, showing that great music never fades. From scat solos to ballads, Ella’s voice is a vital part of jazz history. She truly was, and always will be, the First Lady of Song.
