Ella Fitzgerald

Among the most essential vocalists in popular music, Ella Fitzgerald bridged the spheres of jazz and pop with her sophisticated and expressive style for six decades.

Born in 1917 in Virginia and raised in Yonkers, NY, she drew inspiration from Methodist church singing as well as from pop crooners like Bing Crosby and Connie Boswell.

After winning a contest at the Apollo in 1934, Fitzgerald began her storied career by fronting Chick Webb’s dance band, gaining a reputation for her nuanced swing phrasing and stunning technical acumen.