Ella Fitzgerald

There are many African- American women who have influenced people today. Ella Fitzgerald is an influence to people. She loved music and she is honored for her singing.

Ella Jane Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917 in Newport News, Virginia.
Her father, William, and her mother, Temperance, separated after her birth. Temperance and Ella went to Yonkers, New York to move in with Temperance’s boyfriend Joseph Da Silva. As a young girl, she dreamed of being a dancer. She loved music and was influenced by the Boswell Sisters. Ella took small jobs to give money to her family. In 1932, Temperance died and she went to live with an aunt in Harlem. She was discovered two years later in a contest at the Apollo Theater. She won first prize. Later, she started entering more contests and she won the chance to perform with Tiny Bradshaw’s band at the Harlem Opera House. She met Chick Webb and he hired her to travel with the band for 12.50 a week.

In 1936, Ella made her first recording. When Ella was 21, she recorded an album that sold 1 million copies. She became famous. Ella married Benny Kornegay, but had the marriage canceled when she found out that he had a criminal history. In 1946, Ella married Ray Brown and they adopted a son and named him Ray Jr. In the 1950s Ella joined the Philharmonic tour and she began a series of songbook recordings. The series became very popular. Also, Ella started appearing on a variety of shows. In 1952, Ella and Ray divorced because of Ella’s busy touring schedule. Ella continued to work hard. She donated to organizations for disadvantaged youth. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan awarded Ella the National Medal of Arts. It was one of her most prized moments.

In September 1986, Ella had coronary bypass surgery. The doctors also replaced a valve in her heart and diagnosed her with diabetes. There were rumors that she would never sing again, but Ella proved them wrong. In the 1990s Ella had recorded over 200 albums. In 1991, she gave her final concert at Carnegie Hall in New York. At the age of 76, she had severe circulatory problems and rarely performed. On June 15, 1996, Ella Fitzgerald died in her Beverly Hills home at the age of 79. She was buried in Inglewood Park Cemetery in California.

I think Ella Fitzgerald is an important figure. She was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. She is known as “The First Lady of Song” and has sold over 40 million albums. She has earned 14 Grammy Awards. She is considered one of the most influential jazz singers. She has accomplished many things during her life. She never gave up even when she was going through hard times, especially when she was diagnosed with diabetes. She is an inspiration for people who would like to become a singer.

In conclusion, Ella Fitzgerald is a good role model. She should be remembered during Black History Month. She inspired people to become a singer and to never give up. Ella Fitzgerald is a great African American woman. Many people are encouraged to be a singer because of Ella Fitzgerald.