Ella Fitzgerald was one of the most exciting jazz singers of her time and, because of the naturalness of her style, had a popular appeal that extended far beyond the borders of jazz. Referred to as "The First Lady of Song"
When researching Ella, I also found her referred to as “A large, pleasant-looking woman.”
Large…hmmm…Thick girls have always been criticized; even the ones that came long before us. But pleasant looking??? She’s beautiful!! The flawless makeup, the beautiful hair, the fashion…Ella Exudes style. I also have a soft spot for her because she reminds me of my Grandma J
Ella was born in Newport News, VA on April 25th, 1917. Her parents separated shortly after her birth and her and her mother moved to Yonkers, NY. When Ella was young she always dreamed of becoming a dancer, but she also loved listening to the jazz records her mother brought home.
When Ella was 15, her Mom had a heart attack and passed away. Ella’s grades slipped, she started getting into trouble. She began working as a lookout for a bordello and with a mafia-affiliated numbers runner. After getting in trouble with the police, she was placed at the Colored Orphan Asylum in the Bronx.
Just 2 short years later, Ella made her singing debut at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NY. She had originally planned to go onstage and dance but she was intimidated by a local dance group, so she decided to sing instead. (Can you imagine? What would’ve happened had she chose to dance instead of sing that night??)
Ella was in the music business for over 50 years. Her last recording took place in 1991 and her last public performance was in 1993. She had 2 tumultuous marriages, and adopted one son, Ray Brown Jr.
Ella Fitzgerald was notoriously shy, late in her career when accepting an award she said, “I don’t want to say the wrong thing, which I always do. I think I do better when I sing.”
RIP Ella, Middlest
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