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Ella Fitzgerald

Date of Death: June 15, 1996 (78)

Birth Place: Newport News, VA, USA

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Ella Fitzgerald BIO

Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer, sometimes referred to as the First Lady of Song, Queen of Jazz, and Lady Ella. She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing.

After a tumultuous adolescence, Fitzgerald found stability in musical success with the Chick Webb Orchestra, performing across the country but most often associated with the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. Her rendition of the nursery rhyme "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" helped boost both her and Webb to national fame. After taking over the band when Webb died, Fitzgerald left it behind in 1942 to start her solo career.

Her manager was Moe Gale, co-founder of the Savoy, until she turned the rest of her career over to Norman Granz, who founded Verve Records to produce new records by Fitzgerald. With Verve she recorded some of her more widely noted works, particularly her interpretations of the Great American Songbook.

While Fitzgerald appeared in movies and as a guest on popular television shows in the second half of the twentieth century, her musical collaborations with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and The Ink Spots were some of her most notable acts outside of her solo career. These partnerships produced some of her best-known songs such as "Dream a Little Dream of Me", "Cheek to Cheek", "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall", and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)".

In 1993, after a career of nearly 60 years, she gave her last public performance. Three years later, she died at the age of 79 after years of declining health. Her accolades included fourteen Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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Photos: First Look At GOLDEN RAINBOW At The York Theatre Company

The York Theatre Company has released first look photos of the cast and creative team for its production of Golden Rainbow, with book by Ernest Kinoy and music and lyrics by Walter Marks, the third offering of the Fall 2023 “Musicals in Mufti” series. Performances begin Saturday afternoon, September 23, 2023 and continue for 11 performances only through Sunday, October 1, 2023.

The Apollo Launches Digital Learning Hub To Amplify Black Stories And Engage Educators

The Apollo has launched Apollo Stories, a collaborative digital learning hub that connects middle and high school educators and students across the country. Explore identity, community activism, cultural exchange, and artistic expression through lesson plans and workshops.

Previews: CABARET6: DESERT STARS At Revolution Stage Company

K & E Entertainment will present Cabaret6: Desert Stars featuring rarely seen cabaret shows from Coachella Valley’s finest entertainers.

Exclusive: Composer Walter Marks Steps in for an Ill Max Von Essen in York Theatre's GOLDEN RAINBOW

Due to illness, Broadway's Max Von Essen was unable to perform the lead role of Larry Davis in the York Theatre Company’s “Musicals in Mufti” presentation of “GOLDEN RAINBOW,” so 89-year-old composer Walter Marks went on in his place. Check out photos from the event here!

Gregory Porter Is Coming To The Detroit Opera House December 22

Gregory Porter announces his first-ever holiday album, plus a stop on his tour in Detroit! Don’t miss Gregory Porter live at the Detroit Opera House on Friday, December 22.

Gregory Porter to Perform at the Kennedy Center on New Year's Eve

Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter Gregory Porter—who is set to release his first-ever holiday album, Christmas Wish—will play a special concert at the Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall. Learn how to purchase tickets!

TROVADORES DEL JAZZ estrena su segunda temporada

El próximo lunes 25 de septiembre se estrenará en el Teatro Arlequín Gran Via la segunda temporada de TROVADORES DEL JAZZ, que podrá verse hasta el próximo 18 de diciembre.

Photos: Meet The Cast of GOLDEN RAINBOW At The York Theatre Company

The York Theatre Company has released first look photos of the cast and creative team for its production of Golden Rainbow, with book by Ernest Kinoy and music and lyrics by Walter Marks, the third offering of the Fall 2023 “Musicals in Mufti” series.

Westport Country Playhouse Brings To Its Stage FIRST LADY OF SONG: CHERISE COACHES SINGS ELLA FITZGERALD

Westport Country Playhouse will bring to its stage, “First Lady of Song: Cherise Coaches Sings Ella Fitzgerald,” for a one-week run, from Friday, October 27 through Sunday, November 5.

Bay Area Cabaret Reveals 2023-24 Season Lineup

Bay Area Cabaret has announced the 2023-24 season starring five exceptional and critically acclaimed cabaret, jazz and Broadway artists, all to be presented at the famed Venetian Room, Fairmont San Francisco, beginning Sunday, October 29 through Sunday, April 14. Learn more about the full season lineup here!

Christopher Riddle Talks Nelson and Sinatra at Swingin' Event in October

Join Christopher Riddle as he discusses the legendary Nelson Riddle and his collaboration with Frank Sinatra at the Swingin' Sinatra-Riddle Event. Learn about Nelson's extraordinary career and his marvelous music. Don't miss this intimate conversation on October 29th in Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ.

Frank Owens, Broadway Musician And Former Musical Director For IT'S SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO, Passes Away

Frank Owens, Broadway Musical Virtuoso, Former Musical Director for 'It's Showtime at the Apollo' Dies. A pianist for nearly seven decades, Owens backed talent on Broadway stages, recording studios and TV sets – backing artists from Lena Horne to The Washington Ballet.

THE MISS BETTIE ROUGE SHOW Debuts at the Triad Theatre

The Miss Bettie Rouge Show is coming to the Triad Theatre in October. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!

Nick Cearley, Max Von Essen & More to Star in GOLDEN RAINBOW at The York Theatre Company

The York Theatre Company has revealed the cast and creative team for its production of Golden Rainbow, with book by Ernest Kinoy and music and lyrics by Walter Marks, the third offering of the Fall 2023 “Musicals in Mufti” series. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!

Al Hirschfeld Foundation to Launch Partnership With City Winery With Event & Exhibition HIRSCHFELD'S MUSIC

Discover the vibrant world of Al Hirschfeld's music-inspired artwork at City Winery's exciting new exhibition and multimedia event. Immerse yourself in the artist's iconic drawings and experience the magic of his talent brought to life.

A Night Of Halloween Glamour Comes to the Triad Theater

Celebrate the spooky season by haunting The Triad Theater for a night of incredible live music with Manhattan's hottest jazz band, Fleur Seule.

Algonquin Reveals 2023-24 Lifelong Learning Lecture Series

Algonquin Arts Theatre has announced the return of its popular Lifelong Learning Series for the 2023-2024 season. Algonquin Arts Theatre’s Lifelong Learning lectures cover a wide variety of topics related to the art they present on stage. Each lecture is 90-minutes long and light refreshments are served. All classes will conclude with a question and answer period.

59E59 Theaters Unveils Exciting Lineup for Fall 2023

Discover the highly anticipated shows and events coming to 59E59 Theaters this fall. From captivating dramas to hilarious comedies, there's something for everyone in the lineup. Don't miss out on this exciting season of performances.

BACKSTAGE BABBLE CELEBRATES TONY AWARDS HISTORY, Adam Pascal, and More to Play 54 Below Next Week

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club and 2022 Tony Awards Honoree for Excellence in the Theatre, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work.

Wé Ani Comes to NJPAC in October

New Jersey Performing Arts Center has announced that New Jersey’s own Wé Ani, who became this year’s season American Idol finalist, will perform her new single, “Mr. Montgomery” along with belting out other popular songs on Sunday, October 1st at 7 PM in Prudential Hall opening up for R&B songstress, Monica.

Ella Fitzgerald FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Ella Fitzgerald has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

Ella Fitzgerald has not appeared in the West End

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