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

was born on April 15, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia.” (“Jet” 6) Since her family was poor, they didn’t have many privileges. In 1932, her mother passed away from a heart attack. After her mom died, she ran away from home. Because she was so scared, she was not sure where to go. “At church she sang gospel but at home she sang everything that was on the radio,” (“Stuart” 8). Because of this, Ella was influenced by many singers, both at church and at home. After running away, she realized that she wanted to be in the music business. Although music, both singing and dancing, were what Ella wanted to do, she had no idea where to start. “Ella's career began when she entered amateur singing contest at Apollo Theatre,” (“Jet” 1). Although she meant to go onstage and dance, she got stage fright, and sang instead. Because of her melodious voice, she won the contest, and the attention of many.
When a member of the Chick Webb Band heard Ella sing, he knew she would be a perfect addition to their band. “At first, Webb didn't want to hire her. Her hair was messy and her clothes were faded and torn.” (“Schoenberg” 12). But the man who heard her was convinced, and tried to convince Webb. When she sang, she was nervous, but her voice pushed past any doubts Webb had. “But the band, like many others, saw her talent immediately when she sang.” (“Schoenberg” 13). With her voice, and their beats, they were a hit from the beginning. Even though she was nervous, she soon became less scared and performed regularly with the band. The band immediately began singing at many halls, and concerts. “The Chick Webb Band often played at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem.” (“Schoenberg” 8). There, they gained attention from many; and Ella became more famous than ever. Many celebrated her beautiful melodies, and listened to the joyus tones.
Although Ella Fitzgerald had many hit songs, her most famous was “A-Tisket A-Tasket”.

“ 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

shows.
Even though the band continued to have huge success, Chick Webb had worsening health conditions. Webb had one serious condition, “he had spinal tuberculosis,” (Jet 2). This condition caused him to not be able to perform with the band as much. But, his strength helped him continue to play for a short while. This, in itself, was an amazing feat, since spinal tuberculosis was supposed to paralyze him. “On June 16, 1939, Chick Webb passed away in Baltimore, Maryland,” (Schoenberg 13). This news shocked the hearts of many, especially the band. While the loss of Webb was tragic, someone had to continue leading the band. “After Webb’s death, Fitzgerald took over leading the orchestra.” (Am. Classics 18).
Still, Ella had to continue her life. She was soon “twice married and the mother of a son,” (Am. Classics 1). In December of 1947, Ella married Ray Brown. They met while Ella was on tour with Dizzy Gillespie, and she was his opening act. Brown was the bassist. “The couple later adopted a boy,” (“Schoenberg 22”), who they named Ray Jr. Sadly, Fitzgerald and Brown divorced on August 28, 1953” (“Schoenberg 23”).
Although Ella and the band had huge success, Ella’s condition was also declining.

“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

soar.