Ella Fitzgerald – Biography and History
Ella Fitzgerald, often referred to as the “First Lady of Song” or the “Queen of Jazz,” was a legendary American jazz vocalist renowned for her extraordinary voice, impeccable technique, and remarkable improvisational skills. Born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia, Fitzgerald’s early life was marked by hardship and instability. After her parents separated, she moved with her mother to Yonkers, New York, where they struggled financially.
At the tender age of 15, Fitzgerald’s life took a fortuitous turn when she entered a talent contest at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Initially planning to dance, she changed her mind at the last minute and decided to sing. Her rendition of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Judy” stunned the audience and earned her a prize. This performance would be the catalyst for her illustrious career.