Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996)
Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer. She has often been referred to as the “First Lady of Song,” “Queen of Jazz,” and “Lady Ella.” Ella Fitzgerald was known for the purity of her tone, impeccable diction, fine phrasing and impeccable intonation, as well as a horn-like way of improvising when she was scat singing.
Early in her career Ella Fitzgerald performed with the Chick Webb Orchestra and had musical success performing across the country. Her solo career began in 1942. Ella Fitzgerald appeared in many movies and as a guest on many popular television shows in the second half of the twentieth century. Outside of her solo career, Ella was famous for her collaborations with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and the Ink Spots.
Ella Fitzgerald made some of her most famous recordings on the Verve label such as a recording of the Great American Songbook.
Here is an early recording (1937) of Ella Fitzgerald singing “Dedicated to You.” She is accompanied by the Mills Brothers.