Ella Fitzgerald, revered as the “First Lady of Song” and the “Queen of Jazz,” remains an icon whose music transcends generations. From her humble beginnings at the Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night to becoming a 13-time Grammy Award winner, Fitzgerald’s journey is as captivating as her voice. Her songs are not just melodies; they are a testament to her unparalleled vocal range, improvisational genius, and ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. This article explores the essential Ella Fitzgerald songs that cemented her legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
Ella Fitzgerald
Her story begins in 1934, a pivotal moment when a young, homeless Ella Fitzgerald stepped onto the stage of Harlem’s Apollo Theater. Initially intending to dance, she switched to singing due to stage fright from a previous act. Singing “Judy” and “The Object of My Affection,” she won the audience and the competition, marking the start of an extraordinary career. Within a year, she became the velvet voice of Chick Webb’s orchestra, serenading dance halls like the Savoy Ballroom and jazz clubs throughout New York City.
By 1938, Ella Fitzgerald songs were starting to gain recognition, but it was her unique rendition of the nursery rhyme “A-Tisket A-Tasket” that catapulted her to national fame. Her voice, described as warm and amber with a distinctive vibrato, effortlessly navigated various styles, from upbeat dance tunes to soulful ballads. She collaborated with jazz luminaries like Count Basie and Benny Goodman, and her interpretations of the Great American Songbook, featuring compositions by Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, and George and Ira Gershwin, became definitive versions.
Listen to the best Ella Fitzgerald songs on Apple Music and Spotify.
Beyond her accessible and beloved songs, Ella Fitzgerald was a true innovator. Her scat singing, a form of jazz improvisation using vocal sounds instead of words, was groundbreaking. She effortlessly blended swing, musical theatre, and pop, making her live performances and albums showcases of her vocal prowess. Fitzgerald’s achievements extend beyond musical artistry. She was the first African-American woman to win a Grammy Award, accumulating 13 throughout her career, along with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1967. She received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1979 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992, and her work is preserved in prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian Institute and the Library of Congress.
The Early Ella Fitzgerald Songs: A Voice Emerges
Ella Fitzgerald’s early recordings reveal the raw talent and vibrant energy that captivated audiences from the outset. Her voice, even in these initial tracks, possessed a captivating charm that only deepened over time. “I’ll Chase the Blues Away,” recorded in 1935 with the Chick Webb Orchestra, serves as a joyful and flirtatious introduction to her artistry. This song exemplifies the upbeat, optimistic spirit of early Ella Fitzgerald songs.
Her 1938 breakthrough, “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” demonstrated her ability to transform familiar material into something fresh and exciting. Taking a simple nursery rhyme, she infused it with a swinging beat and sophisticated wordplay, creating a song that resonated with both adults and children. Its danceable rhythm made it a hit in ballrooms and on the radio. The song’s popularity led to her onscreen debut in Abbott & Costello’s 1942 film, Ride ‘Em Cowboy.
Following Chick Webb’s death in 1939, Ella Fitzgerald took on the leadership of the orchestra until 1942, further solidifying her position in the music world. During this period, she collaborated with other prominent musicians, including Harry James and James Lunceford. “T’Ain’t What You Do, It’s the Way That You Do It,” a collaboration with James and Lunceford, reached No. 19 on the charts, showcasing her ability to deliver catchy and motivational tunes. Another notable early hit was “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall,” a duet with Bill Kenny and the Ink Spots, marking her first chart-topping success. Her collaborations with Louis Jordan, particularly duets like “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” further highlight the versatility of Ella Fitzgerald songs during this early phase of her career.
Scat Singing Ella Fitzgerald: A Vocal Virtuoso
No exploration of Ella Fitzgerald songs is complete without acknowledging her mastery of scat singing. Her exceptional articulation, vocal agility, and breath control allowed her to transform straightforward songs into extraordinary displays of improvisation. To call Ella Fitzgerald a great scat singer is an understatement; she redefined the art form. In fact, the term “bebop” itself is rumored to have originated from one of her improvisational scat sequences.
The 1956 album Lullabies of Birdland is considered a masterclass in scat singing. “Flying Home,” while containing lyrics, is dominated by Fitzgerald’s scatting, which effortlessly navigates complex chord progressions. “Oh, Lady Be Good” is another prime example, showcasing a cascade of scatting over Benny Goodman’s lively band. “How High the Moon” is yet another song frequently cited for its scat brilliance. However, “Airmail Special” stands out as a definitive scat performance, particularly in live recordings such as her electrifying rendition at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival. These scat-filled Ella Fitzgerald songs are not just vocal performances; they are instrumental improvisations performed with the human voice.
Oh Lady Be Good
Ella Fitzgerald’s Biggest Hits: Chart-Topping Success
As Ella Fitzgerald’s fame grew, so did the diversity of her repertoire. “Satin Doll,” her 1953 interpretation of Duke Ellington’s jazz standard, exemplifies her ability to convey profound emotion with subtlety. Accompanied by a restrained band, Ella’s wordless vocalizations tell a story through melody and phrasing alone.
Her spontaneity and improvisational skills were famously displayed in her Grammy-winning performance of “Mack the Knife” in Berlin in 1960. Despite forgetting the lyrics, Ella Fitzgerald turned the mishap into a triumph, improvising new lyrics on the spot and delivering a memorable and unique rendition. This live recording became a hit and earned her a Grammy Award, demonstrating her ability to connect with audiences through her personality and improvisational talent, even during unexpected moments.
Mack The Knife (Live In Berlin/1960)
“Cry Me A River,” originally intended for Fitzgerald by Arthur Hamilton, became a signature song despite her not being the first to record it. Her version, full of simmering emotion and understated power, remains a definitive interpretation of this torch song. In contrast, “Blue Skies,” with its big band arrangement and Fitzgerald’s exuberant scatting, showcases her at her most effervescent and joyful. These hit Ella Fitzgerald songs demonstrate her range and appeal across different moods and styles.
The American Songbook: Ella Fitzgerald’s Enduring Legacy
Some of the best Ella Fitzgerald songs are her interpretations of the Great American Songbook. These compositions by Jerome Kern, the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and Rodgers & Hart defined the jazz age. Ella Fitzgerald, in the 1950s, revitalized these classics, introducing them to a new generation. Under the guidance of her manager and producer Norman Granz, she moved to Verve Records in 1955 and embarked on her American Songbook series. These albums, dedicated to individual composers like Duke Ellington, became iconic and cemented her legacy.
Songs like “I Got Rhythm,” with its Broadway energy, and “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” with its sophisticated swing, captivated audiences and reintroduced these timeless songs to a modern audience. The arrangements, often by Nelson Riddle (renowned for his work with Frank Sinatra), played a crucial role in framing Fitzgerald’s vocals.
I Got Rhythm
Her ballad interpretations from the American Songbook are equally compelling. “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” by Rodgers & Hart, showcases a palpable longing and vulnerability, ideal for slow dancing and romantic moods. “Someone to Watch Over Me,” a Gershwin masterpiece, became one of Ella Fitzgerald’s signature songs, particularly her recording with the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. Ella Fitzgerald’s American Songbook recordings elevated these jazz and pop standards to new heights, earning her two Grammy Awards in 1958 and solidifying her place as the definitive interpreter of this repertoire.
Someone To Watch Over Me
Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong Duets: A Perfect Pairing
A discussion of Ella Fitzgerald songs must include her collaborations with Louis Armstrong. Their musical partnership, often accompanied by the Oscar Peterson Quartet, produced some of the most beloved duet recordings in jazz history. The contrasting voices of Fitzgerald and Armstrong, while distinct, created a magical synergy. Their first album together, 1956’s Ella and Louis, featured their smooth renditions of Gershwin’s “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” and Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek.” The interplay between their voices, even Armstrong’s trumpet acting as a brassy counterpart to Fitzgerald’s vocals, is a highlight of these recordings.
Their 1957 album, Ella and Louis Again, included the romantic ballad “Autumn in New York,” and 1959’s Porgy and Bess featured “Summertime.” Their rendition of “Summertime,” from Gershwin’s opera, transforms the lullaby into a jazzy, haunting melody, showcasing Fitzgerald’s impeccable diction and Armstrong’s soulful trumpet. These Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong duets are essential listening for any jazz enthusiast, representing a pinnacle of vocal collaboration.
Summertime
Hear Ella like you’ve never heard her before on The Lost Berlin Tapes, featuring her performance at Berlin’s Sportpalast on March 25, 1962 and finds Fitzgerald at the top of her game with a trio led by pianist Paul Smith, Wilfred Middlebrooks on bass, and Stan Levey on drums. The Lost Berlin Tapes can be bought here.
In conclusion, Ella Fitzgerald songs are more than just music; they are a vital part of American musical heritage. From her early swing tunes to her scat singing masterpieces, her interpretations of the American Songbook, and her iconic duets with Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald’s discography is a treasure trove of timeless music. Her legacy as the Queen of Jazz remains secure, and her songs continue to inspire and delight listeners worldwide.
