Ella J. Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia, USA, and faced early challenges as her parents separated shortly after her birth, leaving her in the care of her mother, Temperance Fitzgerald. Despite this, Ella's talent and determination shone through from a young age.
Her journey to stardom began unexpectedly when she entered a talent competition at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Though she initially planned to dance, she impressed the audience with her singing, kickstarting her career. Joining the Chick Webb Orchestra was a pivotal moment, where she replaced Charlie Linton as the lead female vocalist, marking the beginning of her professional singing career.
Ella's rise to fame was meteoric. Her clear tone, impeccable phrasing, and improvisational skills earned her immense popularity. The nursery rhyme ''A-Tisket, A-Tasket'' became a chart-topper, establishing her as a solo artist with a signature single. Following Webb's death, she took over the orchestra, renaming it Ella Fitzgerald and Her Famous Orchestra, solidifying her status as a bandleader.
Singing with Decca Records marked the start of her solo recording career, leading to numerous successful singles such as ''Undecided'', ''into each life some rain must fall'', ''Dream a Little Dream of me'' ''Summertime'' and ''Cry me a River'' and albums. Performing at Carnegie Hall was a crowning achievement, showcasing her vocal prowess and earning critical acclaim. International tours further solidified her global fame, captivating audiences across Europe with her stage presence and talent. Collaborations with jazz legends like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and the Ink Spots solidified her career. Winning the first Grammy Award for Best Individual Jazz Performance in 1958 made history, in fact she was the first black woman to receive it.
Recognition continued to increase, culminating in the Presidential Medal of Freedom given by president George H. W. Bush in 1992, the highest non-military honor in the United States. Despite health issues, she died of a stroke caused by diabetes in 1996, Ella's dedication to her craft never faded.