Ella Fitzgerald: Give Our Legends Their Flowers.

Ella Fitzgerald is a LEGEND LEGEND. The Queen of Jazz blessed audiences for a decade with her powerful voice. She gets her flowers for her notable scat singing, & being the First Lady Of Song.

The 30s:

Albums Released: N/A

Ella was introduced to the legendary drummer and bandleader Chick Webb in 1935, & the rest is history. She was the singer for his band that he needed, recording some good tunes!

It was her song “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” that made her a household name!

When Chick Webb passed away in 39, Ella took over his band until she went solo.

The 40s:

Albums Released: N/A

By the time Ella went solo, the era of big bands & Swing were declining. However, the invention of bebop was an advantage for Ella in regards to her vocal stylings! Her scar & bebop recordings are very popular!

The 50s:

Albums Released: Ella Sings Gershwin, Songs in a Mellow Mood, Lullabies of Birdland, For Sentimental Reasons, Miss Ella Fitzgerald & Mr Gordon Jenkins Invite You to Listen and Relax, Sweet and Hot, Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book, Metronome All Stars 1956, Ella and Louis, Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Rodgers & Hart Song Book, Ella and Louis Again, Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book, Like Someone In Love, Porgy and Bess, Ella at the Opera House, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday at Newport, Ella Swings Lightly, Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Irving Berlin Song Book, Ella in Rome: The Birthday Concert, Ella Fitzgerald love at Mister Kelly’s, Get Happy, Ella Fitzgerald Sings Sweet Songs for Swingers, Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Song Book.

Ella was consistent in The 50s! Dropping great tunes after another.

The 60s:

Albums Released: Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Harold Arlen Song Book, Ella in Hollywood, Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie, Ella Returns to Berlin, Twelve Nights In Hollywood, Rhythm Is My Business, Ella Swings Brightly with Nelson, Ella Swings Gently with Nelson, Ella Sings Broadway, Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Jerome Kern Song Book, Ella and Basie, These Are the Blues, Hello, Dolly, Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Johnny Mercer Song Book, Ella at Juan-Les-Pins, Ella in Japan: ‘S Wonderful, Ella in Hamburg, Ella at Duke’s Place, Whisper Not, Ella and Duke at the Cote D’Azur, Brighten the Corner, Ella Fitzgerald’s Christmas, 30 By Ella, Misty Blue, Sunshine of your Love, Ella.

Her work in the 60s can’t be overlooked!

The 70s:

Albums Released: Things Ain’t What They Used to Be (And You Better Believe It,) Ella Loves Cole, Newport Jazz Festival: Live at Carnegie Hall, Take Love Easy, Fine and Mellow, Ella In London, Lady Time, Dream Dancing, A Classy Pair.

The 80s:

Albums Released: The Best Is Yet to Come, Speak Love, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Easy Living, All That Jazz.

Ella recorded less & less during the 80s decade, but her collars with Quincy Jones on his “Back on the Block” albums? Simply phenomenal!

Due to her declining health, Ella retired from the music industry in the early 90s, & passed away in June 1996.

Ella’s legacy lives on through the countless musicians inspired by her remarkable voice and music. YouTube is free! Educate yourself and learn more about the greatness that is Ella Jane Fitzgerald. -MJ.