Date of Birth: April 25, 1917
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: June 15, 1996
Biography
Ella Jane Fitzgerald, also known as the “First Lady of Song” and “Queen of Jazz,” was an American jazz singer who had a remarkable impact on the world of music. Born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia, Ella faced numerous hardships during her early years. Her parents separated shortly after her birth, and she moved with her mother to Yonkers, New York. After her mother’s death in 1932, Ella faced a tumultuous period, including time spent in an orphanage and on the streets. Ella’s big break came in 1934 when she won an amateur contest at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. This led to her joining Chick Webb’s orchestra, where she became the lead singer. Following Webb’s death, she took over the band and began her solo career in the mid-1940s. Fitzgerald was known for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, and her ability to improvise, particularly in scat singing. Throughout her career, she collaborated with other jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. She recorded more than 200 albums and won 13 Grammy Awards. Her Songbook series, where she interpreted the works of America’s best songwriters, is particularly celebrated. Ella Fitzgerald passed away on June 15, 1996, in Beverly Hills, California, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and fans around the world.
5 Interesting Facts about Ella Fitzgerald
1. Ella Fitzgerald was the first African-American woman to win a Grammy Award, achieving this milestone in 1958.
2. She recorded over 200 albums and approximately 2,000 songs throughout her career.
3. Ella was known for her wide vocal range, spanning three octaves.
4. Fitzgerald was a regular performer at the Apollo Theater, where she first gained fame.
5. She was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan in 1987.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ella Fitzgerald
1. “It isn’t where you came from, it’s where you’re going that counts.”
2. “The only thing better than singing is more singing.”
3. “Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
4. “I sing like I feel.”
5. “Music is the universal language… it brings people closer together.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Ella Fitzgerald’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Ella Fitzgerald had one son, Ray Brown Jr., whom she adopted with her then-husband, bassist Ray Brown.
Relevant Links
1. [Ella Fitzgerald on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_Fitzgerald
2. [The Official Ella Fitzgerald Website](https://www.ellafitzgerald.com/
5. [Ella Fitzgerald Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/musician/ella-fitzgerald
