
Ella Fitzgerald - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
Born | April 25, 1917 |
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Died | June 15, 1996 (age 79) |
Birthplace | Newport News, Virginia, United States |
Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Chinese Zodiac | Snake |
Generation | Greatest Generation |
Known For | Jazz singing, scat singing, recording classics such as the Song Book albums, and being one of the most influential jazz vocalists. |
Intro
Ella Fitzgerald was a legendary American jazz singer, celebrated for her remarkable vocal range, impeccable technique, and influential scat singing. Known as the 'First Lady of Song,' she had a profound impact on jazz and popular music, captivating audiences worldwide with her smooth, expressive voice over a five-decade career.
Early Life & Background
Ella Fitzgerald was born to William Fitzgerald and Temperance 'Tempie' Fitzgerald in Newport News, Virginia. After her parents separated, she moved with her mother to Yonkers, New York. Raised in a working-class African-American family, Fitzgerald experienced poverty and hardship during her early years, including the death of her mother in 1932, which led to a period of instability before she found her path in music.
Career Highlights
- Won 13 Grammy Awards.
- Recorded the acclaimed 'Song Book' series, celebrating composers like Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin.
- Became the first African-American woman to win a Grammy Award (1958).
- Collaborated with legendary artists including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie.
- Performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.
- Received the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Trivia
- Nicknamed the 'First Lady of Song.'
- Fitzgerald was known for her pure tone and wide vocal range spanning three octaves.
- She got her big break at age 17 after winning amateur night at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
- She overcame racial barriers to perform in major venues during segregation.
FAQs
People also ask
When was Ella Fitzgerald born?
Ella Fitzgerald was born the 25 April 1917.
Where is Ella Fitzgerald from?
Newport News, Virginia, United States.
On Her Birth-Day
About April 25th, 1917, in brief:
- Historical events: Ella Fitzgerald was born in Newport News, Virginia, marking the beginning of a legendary jazz career. She would later become known as 'The First Lady of Song', renowned for her incredible vocal range, improvisational ability, and iconic performances. Her signature songs like 'A-Tisket A-Tasket' would help define the jazz and swing era of American music.
- Day of the week: April 25th, 1917 was a Wednesday
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus (in western zodiac), Snake (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: Waxing crescent
- #1 US song: In the Sweet Long Ago by James F. Harrison & James Reed
- Popular movie: A Mormon Maid directed by Robert Z. Leonard
Check the link for more news and curiosities on April 25th, 1917.