Singer: Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald, born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia, was an American jazz singer often referred to as the “First Lady of Song” and the “Queen of Jazz.”

With a career spanning nearly six decades, she became one of the most beloved and influential vocalists in the history of jazz. Fitzgerald’s pure tone, impeccable diction, and extraordinary vocal range allowed her to master a variety of musical styles, from swing to bebop.

She gained widespread recognition with her rendition of the nursery rhyme “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” in 1938, which became a huge hit. Fitzgerald collaborated with many of the greatest musicians of her time, including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Frank Sinatra. Her “Songbook” series, where she covered the works of legendary composers like Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin, remains a benchmark in vocal jazz.

Throughout her career, Fitzgerald won 13 Grammy Awards and sold over 40 million albums. She passed away on June 15, 1996, but her legacy continues to influence and inspire musicians around the world.