Ella Fitzgerald Biography – Discover the inspiring life of jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald. Learn about her net worth, early life, childhood, cause of death, musical instrument, awards, and education in this detailed biography.
Ella Fitzgerald, often called the “First Lady of Song,” was a legendary jazz singer known for her impeccable tone, pitch, and incredible ability to scat sing. Over a career that spanned more than six decades, she won numerous awards and accolades, including 13 Grammy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the National Medal of Arts. Despite a tough childhood, she rose to global fame, influencing countless artists and leaving behind a timeless musical legacy.
Ella Fitzgerald Biography: Personal Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ella Jane Fitzgerald |
| Date of Birth | April 25, 1917 |
| Age at Death | 79 years old |
| Cause of Death | Complications from diabetes |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Public school in Yonkers, New York |
| Primary Instrument | Vocals (Scat Singing) |
| Career Start | Won an amateur contest at the Apollo Theater in 1934 |
| Notable Awards | 13 Grammy Awards, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, National Medal of Arts, Presidential Medal of Freedom |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $10 million at the time of her death |
| Notable Works | “Songbook” series, “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “Summertime,” “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” |
Key Takeaways
- Ella Fitzgerald was one of the most influential jazz singers of all time.
- She won 13 Grammy Awards and numerous prestigious honors.
- Her career started after winning a talent contest at the Apollo Theater in 1934.
- Fitzgerald was a master of scat singing, using her voice like an instrument.
- She faced a difficult childhood but overcame adversity to achieve global fame.
- Her estimated net worth at the time of her death was $10 million.
- She passed away on June 15, 1996, due to complications from diabetes.
- Fitzgerald’s influence on jazz and popular music remains unparalleled.
Early Life and Childhood
Ella Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia. Her parents, William and Temperance “Tempie” Fitzgerald, separated when she was young. She later moved with her mother to Yonkers, New York, where she was raised in a struggling but loving household.
Her early life was challenging—she faced poverty and personal hardships. After her mother’s death in 1932, Ella’s life took a dark turn. She dropped out of school and spent time in a reform school before experiencing periods of homelessness. However, her love for music and natural talent kept her hopeful.
Education
Ella Fitzgerald attended public school in Yonkers, New York, but her education was cut short due to personal struggles. Despite not receiving formal musical training, she educated herself through listening to jazz records and performing in church. Her raw talent and passion for music ultimately propelled her into the spotlight.
Career and Musical Achievements
Ella Fitzgerald’s big break came in 1934, when she won an amateur contest at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. Her performance of “Judy” by Hoagy Carmichael stunned the audience, marking the beginning of an extraordinary career.
She soon joined Chick Webb’s orchestra, where she gained popularity as a jazz vocalist. Following Webb’s death in 1939, Fitzgerald took over the band, renaming it Ella and Her Famous Orchestra.
Over the decades, she worked with legendary musicians like:
- Louis Armstrong
- Duke Ellington
- Frank Sinatra
She also gained international fame with her “Songbook” series, which showcased her ability to interpret the works of composers like Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin.
Famous Songs
Some of Ella Fitzgerald’s most celebrated songs include:
- “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” (1938)
- “Summertime”
- “Dream a Little Dream of Me”
- “Cheek to Cheek”
Her voice, marked by flawless tone and phrasing, made her a jazz icon, influencing generations of artists.
Awards and Honors
Ella Fitzgerald was one of the most awarded musicians of her time, earning:
- 13 Grammy Awards, including the first-ever Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
- The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1967).
- The National Medal of Arts, awarded by President Ronald Reagan.
- The Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented by President George H.W. Bush.
Her impact on jazz and popular music is immeasurable, cementing her as a legend in American music history.
Net Worth
At the time of her passing in 1996, Ella Fitzgerald had an estimated net worth of $10 million. This wealth was amassed through her extensive recording career, live performances, and royalties from her music.
Instrument
Although she did not play a physical instrument, Ella Fitzgerald’s voice was her greatest instrument. She perfected the art of scat singing, improvising with wordless syllables to mimic jazz instruments like the trumpet and saxophone.
Cause of Death
Ella Fitzgerald passed away on June 15, 1996, in Beverly Hills, California. She had been suffering from diabetes, which led to severe complications, including the amputation of both legs below the knee. Despite her health struggles, she remained an enduring symbol of jazz excellence until the very end.
Legacy
Ella Fitzgerald’s impact on music is unparalleled. She broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry, set new standards for vocal performance, and paved the way for future generations of musicians. Today, her recordings remain a masterclass in jazz singing, cherished by fans worldwide.
Conclusion
Ella Fitzgerald’s life is a testament to talent, perseverance, and excellence. From a difficult childhood to becoming a global music legend, she redefined jazz and left a lasting legacy. Even decades after her passing, her music continues to inspire and influence artists across the world.
FAQs About Ella Fitzgerald
1. What was Ella Fitzgerald’s net worth at the time of her death?
Ella Fitzgerald’s net worth was estimated at $10 million in 1996.
2. What instrument did Ella Fitzgerald play?
Ella Fitzgerald was known for her scat singing, using her voice as an instrument to improvise like a jazz musician.
3. How did Ella Fitzgerald die?
She passed away on June 15, 1996, due to complications from diabetes, which led to the amputation of her legs.
4. How many Grammy Awards did Ella Fitzgerald win?
Ella won 13 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
5. What was Ella Fitzgerald’s most famous song?
Some of her most famous songs include “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” “Summertime,” and “Dream a Little Dream of Me.”
