Ella Fitzgerald: The First Lady of Song

Ella Fitzgerald, affectionately known as the “First Lady of Song,” was one of the most extraordinary vocalists in jazz history. With a career spanning more than 60 years, she became renowned for her impeccable diction, crystal-clear tone, and unmatched ability to scat sing. Her influence extended beyond jazz, influencing pop, swing, bebop, and blues music, simultaneously breaking racial barriers and redefining American music. From her humble beginnings to becoming one of the most awarded singers of all time, Fitzgerald’s story is one of talent, resilience, and timeless artistry.

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Ella Jane Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia. She was the daughter of William Fitzgerald and Temperance “Tempie” Fitzgerald. Shortly after her birth, her parents separated, and she moved with her mother to Yonkers, New York. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, Fitzgerald faced economic hardships but found joy in music and dancing. As a child, she was drawn to the sounds of jazz greats like Louis Armstrong and the smooth crooning of Bing Crosby, both of whom would later become significant influences on her career.

Fitzgerald’s early life took a tragic turn in 1932 when her mother passed away suddenly from injuries sustained in a car accident. Her struggle with school and behavior after this devastating loss led to her placement in a reform school. She later escaped and lived on the streets, taking on various jobs to survive. However, music remained her passion, and she saw an opportunity to change her life when she entered a talent contest at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater in 1934.

Initially planning to perform as a dancer, Fitzgerald changed her mind at the last minute, nervous after seeing another dancer perform before her. Instead, she sang “Judy” by Hoagy Carmichael and “The Object of My Affection” by the Boswell Sisters. The audience was immediately captivated by her voice, and she won the competition. That night marked the beginning of her journey to stardom.

Her talent caught the attention of bandleader Chick Webb, who was initially reluctant to hire her due to her unpolished appearance. However, after hearing her sing, he made her the lead vocalist in his orchestra. In 1938, Fitzgerald recorded “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” a swinging jazz adaptation of a nursery rhyme. The song became a nationwide sensation, propelling her into the limelight and establishing her as one of the most promising young jazz singers of the era.

A Legendary Career

Following Chick Webb’s death in 1939, Fitzgerald took over his band for a brief period before launching a solo career that would define her as one of the greatest vocalists in history. During the 1940s, she became an innovator of bebop, an intricate style of jazz characterized by fast tempos and complex chord progressions. She adapted her singing style to fit this new movement, utilizing her extraordinary improvisational skills. Her ability to scat—singing syllables instead of words to mimic instrumental sounds—set her apart from other vocalists.

Her 1945 recording of “Flying Home” showcased her virtuosic scat technique and is often credited with changing the perception of jazz vocals. This was followed by another scatting masterpiece, “Oh, Lady Be Good!” in 1947, further solidifying her reputation as a jazz genius.

The 1950s and 1960s marked a significant period in Fitzgerald’s career, as she transitioned into recording her legendary “Songbook” series. These albums paid tribute to the great American composers, including Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, and Rodgers and Hart. Her interpretations of these timeless classics were praised for their clarity, warmth, and emotional depth, earning her widespread critical acclaim.

Fitzgerald also collaborated with jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong, producing some of the most celebrated jazz recordings of all time. Her albums Ella and Louis (1956) and Ella and Louis Again (1957), recorded with Armstrong, remain among the most beloved duets in jazz history.

Porgy and Bess (1958): A Historic Collaboration

One of Fitzgerald’s most significant collaborations came in 1958 when she teamed up with Louis Armstrong to record Porgy and Bess, an album featuring songs from George and Ira Gershwin’s iconic opera of the same name. Porgy and Bess tells the story of a disabled beggar, Porgy, and his troubled love for Bess in the African American community of Catfish Row, South Carolina. The opera had long been a celebrated work in American music, blending elements of jazz, folk, and classical traditions.

The Fitzgerald-Armstrong recording was not a full opera performance but a studio album featuring highlights from the production, with the two jazz legends bringing their unique vocal styles to the roles. Fitzgerald’s smooth, refined vocals as Bess contrasted beautifully with Armstrong’s gravelly, expressive voice as Porgy, creating a dynamic and emotionally rich interpretation of the songs.

Their renditions of classics like “Summertime,” “Bess, You Is My Woman Now,” and “I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’” showcased their unparalleled chemistry and ability to bring depth to the characters. While other recordings of Porgy and Bess exist, Fitzgerald and Armstrong’s version remains one of the most beloved interpretations, celebrated for its heartfelt delivery and jazz-infused arrangements.

The album received critical acclaim and further solidified Fitzgerald’s and Armstrong’s legacies as two of the greatest voices in jazz history. Porgy and Bess remains a testament to their ability to transcend genres and bring new life to American musical theater.

Breaking Barriers and Winning Hearts

As an African American woman in the early-to-mid 20th century, Fitzgerald faced significant racial discrimination throughout her career. While she was adored by audiences, she often encountered segregation in clubs and hotels while touring, particularly in the Jim Crow-era South. Many venues that booked white performers refused to allow her to sing, despite her fame.

However, her undeniable talent won over even the most reluctant venue owners. One famous instance occurred in the 1950s when Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe used her star power to help Fitzgerald break a racial barrier. When Monroe learned that the Mocambo nightclub in Los Angeles refused to book Fitzgerald because she was Black, she personally called the club’s owner and insisted that Fitzgerald be given a spot. Monroe promised to sit in the front row every night, drawing massive publicity. The club relented, and Fitzgerald’s performances were a huge success, leading to more opportunities at previously segregated venues.

Fitzgerald’s contributions to music earned her widespread recognition, including 13 Grammy Awards, making her the first African American woman to win a Grammy. She received numerous accolades throughout her life, including the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of Arts, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Later Years and Lasting Legacy

Even as she aged, Fitzgerald continued to perform well into the 1980s. However, her health began to decline due to complications from diabetes. In 1993, her illness forced her to have both legs amputated below the knee, but even in her later years, she remained dedicated to her music. She made her final public appearance in 1993 and spent her remaining years in Beverly Hills, California, before passing away on June 15, 1996, at the age of 79.

Though Fitzgerald is no longer with us, her legacy continues to thrive. Her recordings remain essential listening for jazz enthusiasts, and her influence can be heard in the work of countless vocalists across genres, from jazz and pop to R&B and hip-hop. She paved the way for artists like Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, and later, Diana Krall and Norah Jones.

Ella Fitzgerald’s voice was a rare gift to the world. Her ability to bring emotion, sophistication, and joy to every note she sang made her a legend in American music. From her groundbreaking scat solos to her elegant renditions of classic standards, Fitzgerald set a benchmark for vocal excellence that few have reached. She was not just the “First Lady of Song”—she was a pioneer and an artist whose music will continue to inspire for generations to come.