ELLA FITZGERALD (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996) - the greatest female interpreter of the American songbook, a unique vocalist combining scat and jazz, with enduring influence. “Recognized worldwide as “The First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald is arguably the finest female jazz vocalist of all time,” wrote Matt Collar for AllMusic. Blessed with a highly resonant voice, wide range, and near-perfect elocution, Fitzgerald also possessed a deft sense of swing, and with her brilliant scat technique,

Ella Fitzgerald is one of the greatest architects in the history of jazz music, with her mastery of ‘scatting,’ a vocal improvisation of sound and syllables. Fitzgerald, known as the “First Lady of Song,” was born on this day in 1917. She got her big break while performing at Harlem’s Apollo Theater at the age of seventeen in 1934. Throughout her lifetime she was the recipient of many awards, including 13 Grammy Awards (one for lifetime achievement), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. #Becau