Ella Fitzgerald, 'First Lady Of Song'
Ella Fitzgerald, circa 1973.
Hear two versions of Ella's 1938 smash, "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." The first was recorded in 1938 by the Chick Webb Orchestra. The later version was from a 1973 Newport Jazz Festival concert at New York's Carnegie Hall. Singer Jon Hendricks and commentator Gene Lees explain why "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" became a national hit.
Her voice is instantly recognizable. Her youthful exuberance, pure sound and positive energy just make you feel good. Her incredible technical abilities were self-evident, but when she sang, she radiated a joy consistent with her own character both on and off the bandstand.
Ella Fitzgerald was the undisputed queen of jazz singing and American popular song. She demonstrated extraordinary talent as a young teen, winning an amateur singing contest at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem. Initially, she was going to dance, but a case of stage fright inspired her to sing, "Object of My Affection." Soon after her Apollo Theater stint, drummer and bandleader Chick Webb asked the shy 16 year-old Ella to join his orchestra. At first, Webb was hesitant to bring her in because she didn't have the standard good looks of a singing diva. Luckily, Ella had a voice that no one could match.
The Chick Webb Orchestra reigned supreme at New York City's Savoy Ballroom, also performing live on the city's numerous radio programs. He featured Ella on half of the selections, but after they hit it big in 1938 with the novelty smash, "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," Ella was never absent from the bandstand.
Ella's rare combination of confidence and innocence reflected the spirit of mid-20th century America. Despite her popularity, she never deviated from her commitment to jazz as an art form. She could improvise right next to saxophonists like Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins or Lester Young, then turn around and perform a classic American ballad while infusing it with her natural swing.
One of the most important achievements in Ella's career was her Songbook series, produced by Norman Granz. These recordings confirmed her role as the premiere American female singer. The series included songs by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington, and others.
After the Songbook series of the mid-50s, Ella continued to perform throughout the world with top-notch musicians such as Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Joe Pass. And she was a regular participant of Granz's famous Jazz at the Philharmonic.
While Ella kept a grueling touring schedule, performing in front of millions of fans, she managed to keep her personal life private. Instead of painting the town after a long tour, she was known to just go home, read a book, and watch her favorite television soap operas. After a career of over 60 years, she died quietly at home in Beverly Hills at 79. Ella Fitzgerald will always be remembered as "The First Lady of Song."
More From This Series
NPR's 'Jazz Profiles'
James Moody: In The Mood
Romantic, witty and earthy, the saxophonist and flutist's sound was an extension of his personality.
NPR's 'Jazz Profiles'
Abbey Lincoln: The Power Of Voice
Few singers have the emotional depth and versatility of Abbey Lincoln, who died Saturday.
NPR's 'Jazz Profiles'
Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way
Unlike most jazz artists, the pianist and composer enjoyed both talent and commercial success.
Comments
Please keep your community civil. All comments must follow the NPR.org Community rules and terms of use. See also the Community FAQ.
NPR reserves the right to read on the air and/or publish on its website or in any medium now known or unknown the e-mails and letters that we receive. We may edit them for clarity or brevity and identify authors by name and location. For additional information, please consult our Terms of Use.