Queen of Jazz: the most interesting facts about her life
9/21/2017
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Good music inspires us, leads us, gives us energy every day. We dedicated the article to the First Lady of Song - Ella Jane Fitzgerald. Let some Jazz into your soul!
1. Ella Jane Fitzgerald had a troubled childhood. She was born in a quite poor family.
2. In 1934 she won the opportunity to compete in Amateur Night at the Apollo. She wanted to dance, but after she saw the Edwards Sister dancing, changed her mind and sang Hoagy Carmichael's "Judy".
3. In the band that night was saxophonist Benny Carter. He was impressed by Ella's talent and began supporting her in launching the career. They became lifelong friends.
4. The first Ella's song that boosted her fame was nursery rhyme "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." It stayed on the pop charts for 17 weeks.
5. After the loss of her mentor Chick Webb, Ella married Benny Kornegay, who had been pursuing her. He had a criminal history and Ella soon realized that the marriage was a mistake and divorced.
6. Ella had a manager who felt very strongly about civil rights and refused to accept any type of discrimination. Not only her manager, numerous celebrities supported Ella Jane Fitzgerald.
For example, Marilyn Monroe personally called the owner of the Mocambo, and told him she wanted Ella booked immediately, and if he would do it, she would take a front table every night. Because of her popularity the press would go wild. The owner said "yes", and Marilyn was at the front table every night. Since that time Ella never had to play a small jazz club again.
7. Ella Jane Fitzgerald frequently made generous donations to organizations for disadvantaged youths.
8. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan awarded her the National Medal of Arts. It was one of her most prized moments.
Let us feel the magnificient power of Ella's voice.
Share if there is Jazz in your heart!
What are your thoughts on this subject?
20 Comments
lls
...powerful and influential lady...there will never be another like her, for that boundless energy!
Richard Hoff
Though not a fan of her style of music I can only say that i do like her powerful and commanding voice. Goes to show that you don't necessarily have to be a fan to enjoy the music.
Ilias Tsiabardas
She was One of a kind fascinating Queen of Jazz !!!
Allison Aspden
Fantastic artist!
James Campbell
My daughter approximately 28 years ago was in a track meet in Los Angeles and told me she talked to an older Lady named Ella somebody. We lived in Toronto and she never realized that she talked to the best Jazz person in the world for some fifteen minutes. I just about dropped the phone when she was telling me this.
stellaclaude
A great artist!
Richard Hoff
Not a jazz fan but have always loved her power to express herself in many different mediums. I'm sure that President Reagan was honored to have meet her, i know i sure would have. May her soul remain with us forever.
ninakamwene
Thank you and blessings for a talented lady Queen of Jazz, Miss Ella. RIP.
Terry Lee Hammel
Thanks for the information.
Ike Hinlo Caceres
The sweat on her face reveals her passion for her craft - singing!
Elsa Clarke Alyward
Ella! What a beautiful lady! Thanks for sharing!
Cliff Dunn
Brill a great lady
Faith Bauerlein
Very interesting!
Doris Syrakos
Thx for the info 👍🏼
Jean Rayment
Ella was a very talented performer.