{"title":"Ella Fitzgerald","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAbout Ella Fitzgerald\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eElla Jane Fitzgerald was born in Newport News, Virginia on April 25, 1917, and raised primarily in Yonkers, New York. She launched her career in 1934 when she won an amateur talent contest at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Her early career was with Chick Webb's orchestra (1935-1939), where her 1938 vocal hit A-Tisket, A-Tasket became a national success. After Webb's death in 1939, she briefly led his orchestra before launching her career as a solo artist. Her catalog on Decca (through 1955) and her transformative work with Norman Granz at Verve from 1956 (including the eight-volume Songbook series - Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer, and George and Ira Gershwin) is widely regarded as one of the most important catalogs in 20th century American music. She won 14 Grammy Awards and was the first Black woman to win a Grammy. She died at age 79 on June 15, 1996, in Beverly Hills.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSound and style\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eElla Fitzgerald's sound is the central document of jazz vocal performance and the Great American Songbook tradition. Her vocal style - pitch-perfect, technically dazzling, capable of both intimate balladry and virtuosic scat improvisation - is widely cited as a defining template for jazz singing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDiscography highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElla Sings Gershwin (1950, Decca)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Cole Porter Songbook (1956, Verve)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Rodgers and Hart Songbook (1956, Verve)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Duke Ellington Songbook (1957, Verve)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Irving Berlin Songbook (1958, Verve)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Harold Arlen Songbook (1961, Verve)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Jerome Kern Songbook (1963, Verve)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Johnny Mercer Songbook (1964, Verve)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe George and Ira Gershwin Songbook (1959, Verve)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElla in Berlin: Mack the Knife (1960, Verve)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElla and Louis (1956, Verve) - with Louis Armstrong\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFor collectors\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOriginal Verve pressings of the Songbook series are foundational items in jazz collecting. Multiple anniversary editions, audiophile reissues (Acoustic Sounds, Verve By Request), and box sets including the comprehensive The Complete Ella Fitzgerald Song Books have been released.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhere to start\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eListeners new to Ella Fitzgerald typically start with The Cole Porter Songbook (1956) or Ella and Louis (1956). \u003cspan class=\"related-collections\"\u003eExplore more: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/jazz-vinyl-records\"\u003eJazz\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ella-fitzgerald-sleigh-ride-vinyl","title":"Sleigh Ride 7\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eShips 11\/8 Ella Fitzgerald's perennial holiday classics \"Sleigh Ride\" and \"Jingle Bells\" are now available on festive apple red 7″ vinyl single.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540739436727,"sku":"210000093371","price":14.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4376595-3289465.jpg?v=1781154082"},{"product_id":"ella-fitzgerald-ella-and-louis-vinyl-acoustic-sounds","title":"Ella and Louis LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eAcoustic Sound Series. Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing in gatefold jacket. After appearing together at an all-star concert the night before, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong went into an L.A. studio to record this gem of an album.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48541014753463,"sku":"210000072453","price":38.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/loui.jpg?v=1781155088"},{"product_id":"ella-armstrong-louis-fitzgerald-ella-louis-again-vinyl-acoustic-sounds","title":"Ella \u0026 Louis Again 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eElla and Louis Again will rein down in history as being an important piece to what could be considered the most iconic jazz trilogy of all time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48541069344951,"sku":"210000073904","price":51.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/ella.jpg?v=1781155289"},{"product_id":"ella-fitzgerald-sings-the-rodgers-and-hart-song-book-vinyl","title":"Sings the Rodgers and Hart Song Book 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eElla Fitzgerald -\"Sings the Rodgers and Hart Song Book (Verve Acoustic Sounds Series)\" The second of her celebrated song book albums and heralded as one of the best vocal jazz albums ever made,\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48541071311031,"sku":"210000104077","price":54.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4462589-3534945.jpg?v=1781155294"},{"product_id":"ella-fitzgerald-mack-the-knife-ella-in-berlin-vinyl","title":"Mack the Knife: Ella in Berlin LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eElla Fitzgerald's \"Mack the Knife: Ella in Berlin\" captures the legendary jazz vocalist at her peak. Recorded live in 1960, this LP features a gripping selection that includes classics like \"Mack the Knife\" and \"Summertime,\" all accompanied by a stellar ensemble. The album is not just a performance; it’s a vivid snapshot of a moment when Fitzgerald's talent resonated throughout the venue, leaving an indelible mark in jazz history.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785754194103,"sku":"210000035505","price":17.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/1812543.jpg?v=1783045813"},{"product_id":"ella-fitzgerald-the-moment-of-truth-ella-at-the-coliseum-vinyl","title":"The Moment of Truth: Ella at the Coliseum LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eElla Fitzgerald's \"The Moment of Truth: Ella at the Coliseum\" captures her in prime form, delivering standout performances for a live audience. This LP features a mix of beloved standards alongside pop hits from the late '60s, highlighting her range and versatility. A crucial piece for jazz aficionados, it reaffirms why Fitzgerald is a defining figure in live music history. Simply put, this record is essential listening, not just a footnote in her extensive catalog.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785757143223,"sku":"210000095841","price":25.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4401041-3331445.jpg?v=1783045825"},{"product_id":"ella-fitzgerald-platinum-collection-vinyl","title":"Platinum Collection 3LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eElla Fitzgerald's \"Platinum Collection 3LP\" is like stepping into a smoky jazz club where the air is thick with magic and melody. With 42 tracks, including classics like \"Summertime\" and \"Mack the Knife,\" this collection solidifies her reign as the First Lady of Song, effortlessly blending soul and sophistication. Each disc is a treasure trove from the golden era of jazz, pressed on striking white vinyl that adds an edge to her already powerful presence. Feel the pulse of jazz history resonate through your speakers, reminding us that legends never fade; they only become more essential.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785844207799,"sku":"210000063134","price":41.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3745049.jpg?v=1783046079"},{"product_id":"ella-fitzgerald-ella-louis-vinyl","title":"Ella \u0026 Louis LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eElla Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong unite on this classic LP, crafting a magnetic interplay of their legendary voices. Tracks like \"Can't We Be Friends?\" and \"Cheek to Cheek\" pulse with a palpable warmth, each note soaring effortlessly through the air. This album captures a unique moment in jazz history, recorded spontaneously, highlighting their fearless intimacy and unmatched artistry. There's no pretense here; only the magnetic chemistry of two icons sharing their gifts with the world.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785933205687,"sku":"210000033921","price":29.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"ella-fitzgerald-ella-louis-again-vinyl","title":"Ella \u0026 Louis Again LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eElegant swings and poignant pauses abound in Ella \u0026amp; Louis Again, where Fitzgerald and Armstrong find a delicate push and pull between exuberance and introspection. Each note feels carefully curated, reveling both in the lushness of jazz tradition and a playful defiance of expectations. Their chemistry remains electric, a charming contradiction; effortless yet deeply intentional, leaving us wondering if true spontaneity is ever really possible in such a polished performance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785947590839,"sku":"210000032214","price":20.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/1908493.jpg?v=1783046367"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.waxtraxrecords.com\/collections\/ella-fitzgerald.oembed","provider":"Wax Trax Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}