On This Day In Music History: Ella Fitzgerald is born April 25th, 1917
Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer often referred to as the "First Lady of Song." Born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia, Fitzgerald was the product of a troubled childhood. She was orphaned at a young age and spent time in an orphanage before moving to New York City to live with her aunt. It was there that she discovered her love for music, listening to jazz records and singing along with them.
After a childhood of struggle and adversity, Ella caught a break in 1934 when her name was pulled for the amateur night at Apollo Theater. In a last minute act change from dancing to a singing act, Ella stunned the crowd. Ella went on to enter and win many number of singing competitions and talent shows. She met bandleader Chick Webb in 1935 and started touring with him.
After Webb's death in 1939, Fitzgerald became the leader of the band and continued to record and perform throughout the 1940s and 1950s. She became known for her scat singing, a vocal style in which she would improvise using nonsense syllables. Her recordings of "How High the Moon" and "Mack the Knife" are considered classics of the genre and showcase her incredible range and versatility.
Fitzgerald also collaborated with some of the most famous jazz musicians of her time, including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie. Her live performances were known for their energy and charisma, and she was a popular attraction at festivals and concerts around the world.
In addition to her musical career, Fitzgerald was also a trailblazer for civil rights. She faced discrimination and racism throughout her life and used her platform to speak out against it. She performed at several benefit concerts for civil rights organizations and was a vocal supporter of the movement.
Fitzgerald received numerous accolades throughout her career, including 13 Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She continued to perform and record music up until her death in 1996 at the age of 79.
In conclusion, Ella Fitzgerald's life and career were marked by her incredible talent, versatility, and dedication to music. She remains an icon of jazz music and a trailblazer for civil rights, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.