Ella Jane Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald, the "First Lady of Song," possessed one of the most versatile and pure voices in the history of music. Her impeccable diction, wide vocal range, and innovative scat singing set the standard for jazz vocalists. Her Songbook series for Verve Records remains the definitive interpretation of the Great American Songbook.
“The only thing better than singing is more singing.”
— Ella Fitzgerald
“It isn't where you came from; it's where you're going that counts.”
— Ella Fitzgerald
“I stole everything I ever heard, but mostly I stole from the horns.”
— Ella Fitzgerald
“I sing like I feel.”
— Ella Fitzgerald
“Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there's love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.”
— Ella Fitzgerald
“I know I'm no glamour girl, and it's not easy for me to get up in front of a crowd of people. It used to bother me a lot, but now I've got it figured out that God gave me this talent to use, so I just stand there and sing.”
— Ella Fitzgerald
“Some kids in Italy call me 'Mama Jazz.' I thought that was so cute. As long as they don't call me 'Grandma Jazz.'”
— Ella Fitzgerald
“Coming out of the Apollo, man, I never thought I would get that applause.”
— Ella Fitzgerald
“A-Tisket, A-Tasket was the turning point in my career.”
— Ella Fitzgerald
“Once up there, I felt the acceptance and love from the audience. I knew this was exactly where I was meant to be.”
— Ella Fitzgerald
Ella and Louis
1956
Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook
1956
Mack the Knife: Ella in Berlin
1960
Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook
1957
Ella in Rome
1958