April 25th Named 'Ella Fitzgerald Day' in NYC; Tony Bennett to Perform!

Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin will present a Mayoral Proclamation, declaring April 25th - Musical legend Ella Fitzgerald's Centennial Birthday - "Ella Fitzgerald DAY" in NYC.

Tony Bennett will perform a song in Ella's honor. Students from Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, a public arts high school founded by Tony Bennett in his hometown of Astoria, Queens will also be performing.

It all takes place at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Plaza, New York City; 30 Rockefeller Plaza (Entrance on 49 West 49th Street).

Verve Records, host of the proclamation event, is the home of Ella's extraordinary recording legacy; "Ella Day" launches a year-long campaign to commemorate this milestone. On April 21, several re-issues of her most beloved recordings will be released including a 4-CD set 100 Songs for A Centennial, and a 5-LP vinyl reissue of Ella Sings The George & Ira Gershwin Songbook.

Tony Bennett, dear friend and neighbor of Ella Fitzgerald for many years, will donate a framed print of his portrait of the singer to the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation. Founded in 1993, the organization supports at risk individuals of all races and cultures with a particular emphasis on children in need. Bennett's original portrait of Ella is part of the Ella Fitzgerald Permanent Collection in the Smithsonian Institution.

Additionally, Starbucks will celebrate Ella Fitzgerald's 100th birthday and musical legacy on April 25th by declaring it "Ella Day," playing her recorded songs in all locations nationwide.