Ep. 276
Ella Fitzgerald, celebrated as the “First Lady of Song,” was a highly influential jazz vocalist with a career spanning six decades. Her early life, marked by hardship, led to a musical journey beginning at Harlem’s Apollo Theater and her rise to fame with Chick Webb’s orchestra. Fitzgerald’s musical style was shaped by diverse influences including Louis Armstrong and The Boswell Sisters and later defined by collaborations with Armstrong and producer Norman Granz, notably through her renowned “songbook” series. A master of scat singing, she revolutionized the technique, inspiring generations of vocalists and breaking racial barriers in the entertainment industry. Beyond her musical achievements, she was a philanthropist, supporting children’s welfare. Her extensive discography includes iconic songs such as “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” and “Mack the Knife,” and her life and legacy are further explored through documentaries and interviews.