Ella Fitzgerlad was a world renowned jazz singer known for her sultry ballads, sweet jazz, and her ability to imitate every instrument in an orchestra. Born on April 25, 1917 in Virginia, Fitzgerald had a difficult childhood losing her mother at the age of 15. She pursued her passion for singing after winning a singing contest at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Fitzagerlad found comfort and success in music. Dubbed as the First Lady of Song, she was an artist of the people. Appealing to people of every age, nationality, and socio-economic background. Fitzgerlad was regarded as one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. She is also known for her collaboration with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and The Ink Spots. These Collaborations produced some of her best-known songs such as “Dream a Little Dream of Me”, “Cheek to Cheek”, “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall”, and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” She sold 40 million albums, won 14 Grammys, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and played regularly at popular venues., Ella Fitzgerlad broke down racial barriers for generations of Black performers. Â
On October 7th 1955, Fitzgerald was a part of a racial integrated jazz show which was unheard of and illegal during America’s Jim Crow Era. Fitzgerlad was arrested and mistreated as a criminal. Her only crime was the desire to share her music with everyone. Despite her arrest and mistreatment, Fitzgerlad was so famous that one of the officers had asked for an autograph.Â
Despite setbacks, Fitzgerald was beloved by all for her unique voice. At the first ever Grammy award show presented by the recording academy, Fitzgerald was the first ever woman to receive Album of the Year award and Best Vocal Performance award. She went on to win 11 more Grammys. This wasn’t the only glass ceiling she broke; Fitzgerald performed at President Kennedy’s inauguration gale in 1961, which at the time was a big achievement, being the second Black woman to ever to perform at a presidential inauguration.
Fitzgerlad was able to transcend racial barriers set by the State, her talent was recognized and beloved by everyone. One of her fans was famous actress Marilyn Monroe, who used her connections to get Fitzgerlad to perform at white only venues. She was the first Black performer to ever sing at Mocambo, a famous nightclub in Los Angeles.Â
Ella Fitzgerlad raised the bar of what it means to be an amazing jazz perform while Simultaneously breaking down racial barriers for other Black performs during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. In the face of adversity, Fitzgerald continued to work hard and achieved the impossible. From the Blues to bossa nova and calypsos to carols, she imbued all with her unique voice. Ella Fitzgerald’s legacy will live on forever.Â
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