Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer. She was born in Newport News, Virginia, in 1917. She had an amazing voice and could sing almost any style of music. She won 13 Grammy Awards and sold over 40 million albums.

Early Life

Fitzgerald had a difficult childhood. After her mother died, she struggled and was briefly homeless. At age 17, she won an amateur singing contest at the Apollo Theater in New York. This launched her incredible career.

A colorful photograph of the great singer Ella Fitzgerald.
A colorful photograph of the great singer Ella Fitzgerald. (Carl Van Vechten / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Fitzgerald was famous for scat singing, which means making up sounds with her voice like an instrument. She recorded over 200 albums. She performed with jazz greats like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. She was known as the First Lady of Song.

Fun Facts

  • Fitzgerald originally planned to dance at her Apollo Theater audition but was too nervous, so she sang instead.
  • She could imitate any singer's voice perfectly.
  • She won 13 Grammy Awards, more than any female artist at that time.

Did You Know?

Marilyn Monroe once helped Fitzgerald by calling a nightclub that would not let Ella perform because of her race. Monroe promised to sit in the front row every night. The club agreed, and Ella never had to play a small club again.