Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald , also known as the “First Lady of Song” and “Lady Ella,” was an American jazz and song vocalist. With a vocal range spanning three octaves , she was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing and intonation, and a “horn-like” improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. #

9 Quotes

  • Once, when we were playing at the Apollo, Holiday was working a block away at the Harlem Opera House. Some of us went over between shows to catch her, and afterwards we went backstage. I did something then, and I still don’t know if it was the right thing to do – I asked her for her autograph.

  • Sometimes when we’re flying or in the hotel, I might run over songs, or in the bathroom.

  • I know I’m no glamour girl, and it’s not easy for me to get up in front of a crowd of people. It used to bother me a lot, but now I’ve got it figured out that God gave me this talent to use, so I just stand there and sing.

  • I’ve had some wonderful love affairs and some that didn’t work out. I don’t want to dwell on that and I don’t want to put people down, but I think all the fabulous places I’ve been, the wonderful things that have happened for me, the great people I’ve met – that ought to make a story.

  • Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.

  • Forgive me if I don’t have the words. Maybe I can sing it and you’ll understand.

  • I stole everything that I heard, but mostly I stole from the horns.

  • The only thing better than singing is more singing.

  • [On bebop years] All I did was sing ‘How High the Moon.’ It seemed like the only song I ever sang.

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