Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Ella Fitzgerald (25 April 1917 – 15 June 1996) was an American jazz singer, sometimes referred to as the “First Lady of Song”, “Queen of Jazz”, and “Lady Ella.”
Life and Career
Ella Fitzgerald, born on 25 April 1917, in Newport News, Virginia, was an American jazz singer often referred to as the “First Lady of Song” and the “Queen of Jazz.” She grew up in Yonkers, New York, and showed a passion for music from a young age. Her early life was marked by struggles, including the death of her mother when she was 15 and a period of homelessness.
Career: Fitzgerald’s talent for singing was discovered at an early age, and she began her professional career as a teenager. In 1934, she made her debut at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, winning an amateur night competition. She soon gained popularity for her smooth vocal style, impressive range, and improvisational skills.
Fitzgerald’s career skyrocketed in the 1930s and 1940s as she performed with renowned bands, including those led by Chick Webb and Benny Goodman. She became known for her scat singing, a vocal improvisation technique, and her ability to interpret songs with emotion and nuance. Her recordings, such as her famous “Songbooks” series, which featured interpretations of the works of famous composers, cemented her status as one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.
Death: Ella Fitzgerald passed away on 15 June 1996, in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 79. Her death marked the end of an illustrious career that spanned six decades, during which she achieved worldwide fame and left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Award and Legacy
Ella Fitzgerald received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. She won 13 Grammy Awards, including one for Lifetime Achievement, and was the first African American woman to win a Grammy. She also received the National Medal of Arts, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement.
Fitzgerald’s legacy as one of the greatest jazz singers of all time is undisputed. Her vocal talent, impeccable technique, and ability to convey deep emotion through her singing continue to inspire generations of musicians and listeners alike. She had a profound impact on the evolution of jazz and popular music, and her recordings remain beloved classics to this day. Her influence can be heard in the works of countless artists who have followed in her footsteps, and her contributions to music continue to be celebrated and remembered.
On 25 April 2013, Google celebrated Ella Fitzgerald’s 96th Birthday with a doodle.