Ella Fitzgerald: The Most Famous Jazz Singer

Have you ever had a gift that brought immense joy to whoever heard, saw, or read it? Has there ever been a moment in your life when, while using your gift, you felt truly amazing? For Ella Fitzgerald, her gift was singing. Whether it was singing on her own, or with the Chick Webb band, Ella knew, as did many, that it was her gift. Ella Fitzgerald is considered one of the greatest jazz singers in the history. Her innovative style of singing lifted her to a realm that granted her the title that she is well known by, “The First Lady of Jazz”.
Ella Fitzgerald, one of the most influential jazz singers in history, lived an incredible life. Although Ella Fitzgerald is famously known for her singing, her first passion was dancing. “Ella Jane Fitzgerald

“ A-Tisket A-Tasket was first recorded in 1938.” (“Am. Classics” 2). This was Ella’s first big hit, but not her last. “A-Tisket A-Tasket did seem to be the most famous of all her songs, though. “Ella Fitzgerald recorded over 2,000 songs.” (“Am. Classics” 1). While many of them were with the band, she also recorded with other artists. She had many friends who were also famous musicians. “She also wrote with Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong.” (“McGill” 2). These two, specifically, were quite influential in Ella’s life because they made such amazing music together. Louis Armstrong, the famous jazz trumpeter and singer, sang well over 15 songs with her. “She was also close friends with Marilyn Monroe.” (“Jet” 1). Since blacks were not allowed to sit and watch musical acts unless invited, Marilyn Monroe always reserved a seat for Ella. Marilyn also saw many of Ella’s

“All her life, she was forced to battle diabetes.” (“Jet” 1). While it did not become as bad until later in her life, she still lived with it. Diabetes, is the medical condition that results from having too much sugar in the blood stream.“In the 1990’s, Ella had to have both of her legs amputated, due to the diabetes.” (“McGill” 2). Following this huge milestone, Ella still continued to sing with other orchestras. Although it was a challenge, Ella continued to sing until the late 1990’s. “On June 15, 1996” (“Schoenberg” 7), Ella Fitzgerald passed away from diabetes. Since Ella was a very private person, not much was disclosed about her death. Her family, and close friends were all at her bedside when she passed.“She died in her home in Beverly Hills.” (“Am. Classics” 2). There is little known about the day she passed, but it was disclosed that she died peacefully. She passed away at age 78.
By amazing many with her unique singing style, “scat”, Ella Fitzgerald became known to many as, “The First Lady of Jazz”. Her long career with the Chick Webb band gave her a chance to show many how creative she was. When she decided to become a soloist, she was equally as successful. While Ella dealt with many tragedies, the sound of her voice and the lyrics of her melodies are enough to make anyone’s spirits