My name is Ella Jane Fitzgerald, but many people know me as Lady Ella or First Lady of Song. I am considered one of the best and most influential jazz singers in history. Thanks to my extraordinary voice, I have performed all over the world, working with many very talented musicians.
Come with me on the amazing journey that brought me no less than fourteen Grammy awards!
In 1932, when I was fifteen, my mother died and a year later, I was forced to move to my aunt’s house in Harlem. I found it difficult to settle into my new life and I began playing truant from school. Life on the streets fascinated me and there were many interesting people to meet out there. I even found work ‘running numbers’, which means managing illegal bets!
In the early twentieth century, the New York district of Harlem had seen the birth of an artistic and cultural movement in the African American community. People sang and danced everywhere, even on the streets. I performed for my friends and I wanted to become a singer! I had found a way to overcome the difficulties of life and to avoid thinking about the poverty I experienced.
The following year I met a legend of swing music, the drummer Chick Webb. He played jazz music with such an exciting rhythm that it made me want to dance. Our first meeting was strange: some of the people in his band thought my voice would be right for their music, but Chick didn’t agree. He let me sing with them at a dance evening at the University of Yale, but it was only a trial. The dancers had to collect money to buy me a suitable dress.
Chick WEBB and
Ella Fitzgerald
I passed the test with flying colors and became a member of the Chick Webb Band. From that time on, we began playing in the Harlem clubs and many other places. My lively style was perfect for swing music and we soon became famous. When Chick Webb died in 1939, we continued playing with a new name Ella Fitzgerald and her Famous Orchestra.
In 1941, the Second World War broke out, many members of the band were called up, and we stopped playing together. That year, I married Benny Kornegay, but our marriage only lasted a few months. In 1942, I began my career singing solo.
It was Ray who introduced me to Norman Granz in 1946, giving a decided twist to my life and my career. Norman was a talented manager and producer, with a very strong personality. He guided me in many of the choices that would make me famous all over the world.
My friendship with Granz lasted forty years and led me, amongst other things, to singing many times at the prestigious events Jazz at the Philharmonic.
Amongst the projects Granz suggested, everyone remembers my duets with Louis Armstrong.
Louis was undoubtedly one of the musicians who inspired me; just think that I imitated his singing in many of my concerts! I was quite nervous about singing with him, but fortunately, all went well: our voices, even though they are very different, blended beautifully!
We made three studio albums together: Ella and Louis in 1956 and then in 1957, Ella and Louis Again and Porgy and Bess.
Unfortunately, my career also includes sad moments. Some of these are linked to racism, which was common at that time. In 1954, the owner of a well-known jazz club, the Mocambo in Hollywood, California, refused to let me sing because of the color of my skin.
Fortunately, on that occasion Marilyn Monroe, who was a great fan of mine, intervened and convinced the manager to change his mind, promising that she would take a seat in the front row of all my concerts. After this, Marilyn and I became great friends.
In 1959, with my piece Ella Swings Lightly, I won the Grammy for the best improvising jazz soloist. I was the first African American woman to win this award, considered the equivalent of the Oscar in the music world. This award was just the first in a long series, as I said I won no less than fourteen during my career!
Even during the most successful years, I never forgot my problematic childhood and all my life I supported non-profit organizations, trying to help children and young people in difficulty. In 1993, I founded my own charity, which offers training and support for people in need due to financial or health problems.
My heart stopped beating on June 15 1996 in Beverley Hills, California. I was seventy-eight years old.
This is the end of my story. When I was very young I realized that I wanted to sing for people and all my life I dedicated myself to this passion, despite the problems linked to the color of my skin, my shyness and my poor health.
Follow your dreams and you will go far!
