Ella Jane Fitzgerald
- Born:
- April 25, 1917, Newport News, Virginia, USA
- Died:
- June 15, 1996, Beverly Hills, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Jazz Vocalist, Composer, Actress
Early Life and Education
- Fitzgerald was raised in Yonkers, New York, after her parents separated.
- She showed early aptitude for performing arts, initially aspiring to be a dancer.
- Her formal education included attendance at Benjamin Franklin Junior High School.
- Won an amateur night competition at the Apollo Theater in 1934, marking her official debut.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her professional career with Chick Webb's orchestra in 1935.
- Following Webb's death in 1939, she took over leadership of the orchestra, renaming it Ella Fitzgerald and Her Famous Orchestra.
- Became a solo artist in the early 1940s.
- Pioneered scat singing, becoming renowned for her improvisational vocal style.
- Signed with Norman Granz's Verve Records in 1956, resulting in iconic songbook recordings.
- Collaborated with numerous jazz legends, including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie.
- Toured extensively both nationally and internationally throughout her career.
Notable Works
Discography (Selected)
| Year | Album Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book | Verve Records |
| 1957 | Ella and Louis | Verve Records |
| 1957 | Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Rodgers & Hart Song Book | Verve Records |
| 1960 | Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife | Verve Records |
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1942 | Ride 'Em Cowboy | Ruby Dandridge's Maid |
| 1955 | Pete Kelly's Blues | Maggie Jackson |
| 1960 | Let No Man Write My Epitaph | Honey |
Legacy and Impact
- Won 13 Grammy Awards.
- Received the National Medal of Arts in 1987.
- Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992.
- Considered one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century.
- Her innovative vocal techniques and interpretations of classic songs have inspired generations of musicians.
Examining the numerous "pictures of ella fitzgerald biography" available reveals a consistent narrative of a trailblazing artist who redefined jazz vocals and left an indelible mark on music history.