8+ Most Captivating Songs by Ella Fitzgerald

When discussing jazz greats, Ella Fitzgerald is always near the top of any list. Her incredible vocal range, impeccable timing, and natural improvisational skills made her one of the most beloved and influential jazz singers of all time. She recorded hundreds of songs over her long career, and many of them have become jazz standards. Here’s a brief look at five of her very best:

Ella sang this classic song in a variety of settings, but her 1958 version with Buddy Bregman’s Orchestra is definitive. Her scatting is simply incredible!

This Gershwin standard was one of Ella’s signature songs. Her 1938 recording with Chick Webb and His Orchestra is a timeless classic.

This Cole Porter standard is another one of Ella’s most famous songs. Her 1956 recording with Louis Armstrong is a duet for the ages.

This Rodgers and Hart standard is one of Ella’s most beloved ballads. Her 1954 recording with Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra is simply stunning.

This Duke Ellington standard is one of Ella’s most iconic songs. Her 1960 recording with Billy May and His Orchestra is a masterpiece.

Ella Fitzgerald was a true pioneer in jazz, and her music continues to inspire and delight listeners around the world. These are just a few of her best songs, but they offer a glimpse into her incredible talent and artistry.

1. Vocal Range

Ella Fitzgerald’s extraordinary vocal range was a key factor in her success as a jazz singer. Her ability to effortlessly hit high notes and low notes with equal clarity and power gave her a unique and distinctive sound. This vocal range allowed her to sing a wide variety of songs, from ballads to up-tempo swing numbers, and she was always able to find the perfect notes to express the emotions of the song.

Facet 1: Versatility

Ella’s vocal range allowed her to sing a wide variety of songs, from ballads to up-tempo swing numbers. She was equally at home singing a delicate ballad like “Summertime” or a driving swing number like “A-Tisket, A-Tasket.” Her vocal range also allowed her to scat sing, which she often did to great effect on her recordings.
Facet 2: Emotional Expression

Ella’s vocal range also allowed her to express a wide range of emotions in her singing. She could convey joy, sadness, love, and longing with equal ease. Her ability to connect with her audience on an emotional level was one of the things that made her such a beloved singer.
Facet 3: Improvisation

Ella’s vocal range also gave her the freedom to improvise and scat sing. She often improvised new melodies and lyrics on the spot, and she was always able to come up with something new and exciting. Her improvisational skills were a major part of her appeal, and they helped to make her live performances so special.
Facet 4: Influence

Ella’s vocal range has influenced generations of jazz singers. Her ability to sing with such clarity and power has inspired many other singers to try to emulate her style. Ella’s influence can be heard in the singing of many of today’s top jazz singers, including Diana Krall, Cassandra Wilson, and Esperanza Spalding.

Ella Fitzgerald’s vocal range was one of the key factors that made her one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. Her ability to effortlessly hit high notes and low notes with equal clarity and power gave her a unique and distinctive sound. This vocal range allowed her to sing a wide variety of songs, express a wide range of emotions, and improvise with ease. Ella’s vocal range was a gift, and she used it to create some of the most beautiful and memorable music of the 20th century.

2. Improvisation

Ella Fitzgerald’s mastery of improvisation was a key ingredient in her best songs. Her ability to scat sing and improvise new melodies on the spot gave her performances a unique and spontaneous feel. This improvisational skill allowed her to connect with her audience on a deeper level, and it helped to make her live performances so special.

One of the best examples of Ella’s improvisational skills can be heard on her recording of “How High the Moon.” On this recording, Ella takes the basic melody of the song and transforms it into a complex and beautiful improvisation. She scat sings, improvises new melodies, and even quotes from other songs. The result is a performance that is both technically impressive and emotionally moving.

Ella’s improvisational skills were not limited to scat singing. She was also a master of improvising new lyrics. On her recording of “Mack the Knife,” Ella improvises a new verse that is both clever and funny. This verse adds a new layer of meaning to the song, and it shows Ella’s ability to think on her feet.

Ella’s improvisational skills were a major part of her appeal as a jazz singer. Her ability to create something new and exciting on the spot was a gift, and it helped to make her one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.

3. Timing

Ella Fitzgerald’s impeccable timing was one of the key ingredients in her best songs. Her ability to swing a song with the best of them gave her performances a sense of momentum and excitement that is essential to jazz music. This timing allowed her to connect with her audience on a deeper level, and it helped to make her live performances so special.

Facet 1: The Importance of Timing in Jazz

Timing is essential to jazz music. It is what gives jazz its characteristic swing feel. Ella Fitzgerald had a natural sense of timing, and she was able to swing a song with the best of them. This allowed her to create a sense of excitement and momentum in her performances, and it helped to make her one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.
Facet 2: Ella’s Ability to Swing a Song

Ella Fitzgerald was able to swing a song like no other singer. Her sense of timing was impeccable, and she was able to create a sense of momentum and excitement in her performances. This ability to swing a song was one of the things that made Ella Fitzgerald so special, and it is one of the reasons why she is considered one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.
Facet 3: The Role of Timing in Ella’s Best Songs

Ella Fitzgerald’s impeccable timing played a major role in her best songs. Her ability to swing a song with the best of them gave her performances a sense of momentum and excitement that is essential to jazz music. This timing allowed her to connect with her audience on a deeper level, and it helped to make her live performances so special.

Ella Fitzgerald’s impeccable timing was one of the key factors that made her one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. Her ability to swing a song with the best of them gave her performances a sense of momentum and excitement that is essential to jazz music. This timing allowed her to connect with her audience on a deeper level, and it helped to make her live performances so special.

4. Interpretation

Ella Fitzgerald’s unique ability to interpret a song and make it her own was a key ingredient in her best songs. Her ability to bring her own personal style and flair to every song she sang gave her performances a sense of intimacy and authenticity that is essential to jazz music. This interpretative skill allowed her to connect with her audience on a deeper level, and it helped to make her live performances so special.

One of the best examples of Ella’s interpretive skills can be heard on her recording of “Summertime.” On this recording, Ella takes the basic melody of the song and transforms it into a beautiful and moving ballad. Her interpretation of the song is both personal and universal, and it captures the essence of the song’s lyrics. Ella’s interpretation of “Summertime” is a masterclass in jazz singing, and it is one of the reasons why she is considered one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.

Ella’s interpretative skills were not limited to ballads. She was also able to interpret up-tempo swing numbers with the same level of skill and artistry. On her recording of “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” Ella takes the basic melody of the song and transforms it into a playful and energetic swing number. Her interpretation of the song is both clever and charming, and it is a perfect example of her ability to make a song her own.

Ella Fitzgerald’s unique ability to interpret a song and make it her own was a major part of her appeal as a jazz singer. Her ability to bring her own personal style and flair to every song she sang gave her performances a sense of intimacy and authenticity that is essential to jazz music. This interpretative skill allowed her to connect with her audience on a deeper level, and it helped to make her live performances so special.

5. Emotion

Ella Fitzgerald’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing was a key ingredient in her best songs. Her ability to connect with the emotional content of a song and express it through her voice gave her performances a sense of depth and authenticity that is essential to jazz music. This emotional range allowed her to connect with her audience on a deeper level, and it helped to make her live performances so special.

One of the best examples of Ella’s emotional range can be heard on her recording of “Blue Skies.” On this recording, Ella takes the basic melody of the song and transforms it into a beautiful and moving ballad. Her interpretation of the song is both personal and universal, and it captures the essence of the song’s lyrics. Ella’s emotional delivery of the song’s lyrics is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and it is a perfect example of her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing.

Ella’s emotional range was not limited to ballads. She was also able to convey a wide range of emotions in her up-tempo swing numbers. On her recording of “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” Ella takes the basic melody of the song and transforms it into a playful and energetic swing number. Her interpretation of the song is both clever and charming, and it is a perfect example of her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing.

Ella Fitzgerald’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing was a major part of her appeal as a jazz singer. Her ability to connect with the emotional content of a song and express it through her voice gave her performances a sense of depth and authenticity that is essential to jazz music. This emotional range allowed her to connect with her audience on a deeper level, and it helped to make her live performances so special.

6. Versatility

Ella Fitzgerald’s versatility as a singer was a key factor in her success. She was able to perform a wide range of songs, from jazz standards to pop hits, and she always managed to make each song her own. This versatility allowed her to appeal to a wide range of audiences, and it helped to make her one of the most popular and successful jazz singers of all time.

Facet 1: Jazz Standards

Ella Fitzgerald was a master of jazz standards. She recorded hundreds of jazz standards over the course of her career, and she always managed to bring something new and fresh to each song. Her interpretations of jazz standards are considered to be definitive, and they have influenced generations of jazz singers.
Facet 2: Pop Hits

Ella Fitzgerald was also a successful pop singer. She recorded a number of pop hits in the 1950s and 1960s, including “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and “Summertime.” Her pop recordings were just as successful as her jazz recordings, and they helped to make her a household name.
Facet 3: Vocal Range

Ella Fitzgerald’s vocal range was a major factor in her versatility. She had a three-octave vocal range, which allowed her to sing a wide variety of songs. She could sing high notes and low notes with equal ease, and she could scat sing and improvise with the best of them.
Facet 4: Musicality

Ella Fitzgerald was a gifted musician. She had a deep understanding of music, and she was able to interpret a song in a way that brought out its full potential. She was also a great scat singer, and she was able to improvise new melodies and lyrics on the spot.

7. Influence

Ella Fitzgerald’s influence on jazz music is undeniable. Her unique vocal abilities, her improvisational skills, and her ability to interpret a song and make it her own have inspired generations of jazz singers. Many of today’s top jazz singers, including Diana Krall, Cassandra Wilson, and Esperanza Spalding, cite Ella Fitzgerald as a major influence on their own singing.

One of the reasons why Ella Fitzgerald’s music has been so influential is because of her incredible vocal range. Her ability to sing high notes and low notes with equal clarity and power gave her a unique and distinctive sound. This vocal range allowed her to sing a wide variety of songs, from ballads to up-tempo swing numbers, and she always managed to find the perfect notes to express the emotions of the song.

Another reason why Ella Fitzgerald’s music has been so influential is because of her improvisational skills. She was a master of scat singing, and she often improvised new melodies and lyrics on the spot. This improvisational skill allowed her to connect with her audience on a deeper level, and it helped to make her live performances so special.

Finally, Ella Fitzgerald’s ability to interpret a song and make it her own has also been a major influence on jazz singers. She had a unique way of connecting with the lyrics of a song and bringing out its emotional content. This ability allowed her to create truly memorable performances, and it is one of the reasons why she is considered one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.

In conclusion, Ella Fitzgerald’s influence on jazz music is undeniable. Her unique vocal abilities, her improvisational skills, and her ability to interpret a song and make it her own have inspired generations of jazz singers. Her music continues to be enjoyed by jazz fans around the world, and she is considered one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.

8. Legacy

Ella Fitzgerald’s legacy as one of the greatest jazz singers of all time is undeniable. Her best songs continue to be enjoyed by jazz fans around the world, and her influence on jazz music is still felt today. Her unique vocal abilities, her improvisational skills, and her ability to interpret a song and make it her own are just a few of the reasons why she is considered one of the best.

One of the most important ways that Ella’s legacy continues to live on is through her recordings. She recorded hundreds of songs over the course of her career, and many of these recordings are considered to be definitive versions of the songs. Her recordings have been reissued and remastered many times, and they continue to be enjoyed by new generations of jazz fans.

Another way that Ella’s legacy continues to live on is through the many singers she has inspired. Ella’s unique style and approach to jazz singing has influenced generations of singers, including Diana Krall, Cassandra Wilson, and Esperanza Spalding. These singers have all cited Ella as a major influence on their own singing, and they have helped to keep her legacy alive.

Ella Fitzgerald’s legacy is one of the most important in jazz music. Her best songs continue to be enjoyed by jazz fans around the world, and her influence on jazz singing is still felt today. She is a true icon of jazz music, and her legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ella Fitzgerald’s Best Songs

Ella Fitzgerald was one of the most celebrated jazz singers of all time, known for her incredible vocal range, impeccable timing, and natural improvisational skills. Her recordings have sold millions of copies and continue to be enjoyed by jazz fans around the world. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Ella Fitzgerald’s best songs:

Question 1: What are some of Ella Fitzgerald’s most famous songs?

Ella Fitzgerald recorded hundreds of songs over her long career, but some of her most famous songs include “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” “Summertime,” “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” and “Cheek to Cheek.” These songs are all considered jazz standards, and they have been covered by countless other singers over the years.

Question 2: What is Ella Fitzgerald’s vocal range?

Ella Fitzgerald had a three-octave vocal range, which allowed her to sing high notes and low notes with equal clarity and power. This vocal range gave her a unique and distinctive sound, and it allowed her to sing a wide variety of songs.

Question 3: Was Ella Fitzgerald a good improviser?

Ella Fitzgerald was a master of improvisation. She often scatted and improvised new melodies over the course of a song. Her improvisational skills were a major part of her appeal, and they helped to make her live performances so special.

Question 4: What is Ella Fitzgerald’s legacy?

Ella Fitzgerald’s legacy as one of the greatest jazz singers of all time is undeniable. Her best songs continue to be enjoyed by jazz fans around the world, and her influence on jazz music is still felt today. She is a true icon of jazz music, and her legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Ella Fitzgerald’s best songs. For more information, please visit the Ella Fitzgerald website or read one of the many books that have been written about her life and career.

Transition to the next article section: Ella Fitzgerald’s best songs are a testament to her incredible talent and artistry. Her unique vocal abilities, her improvisational skills, and her ability to interpret a song and make it her own have made her one of the most beloved and influential jazz singers of all time. Her recordings continue to be enjoyed by jazz fans around the world, and her legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

Tips for Enjoying Ella Fitzgerald’s Best Songs

Ella Fitzgerald was one of the greatest jazz singers of all time, and her best songs are a testament to her incredible talent and artistry. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of her music:

Tip 1: Listen to her recordings in chronological order.

This will allow you to hear her develop as an artist and appreciate her evolution over time. Her early recordings are more influenced by swing and big band music, while her later recordings are more focused on ballads and standards.

Tip 2: Pay attention to her vocals.

Ella Fitzgerald had one of the most distinctive voices in jazz history. Her voice was clear, powerful, and expressive, and she could scat sing with the best of them. Listen to her recordings carefully and appreciate the nuances of her voice.

Tip 3: Read the lyrics to her songs.

Ella Fitzgerald was a master of interpretation, and she often brought new meaning to the songs she sang. Read the lyrics to her songs and see how she interprets them. You may be surprised at how her interpretations differ from the original versions.

Tip 4: See her live if you can.

Ella Fitzgerald was a consummate performer, and her live shows were legendary. If you have the opportunity to see her live, don’t miss it. You will be amazed by her energy, her charisma, and her undeniable talent.

Tip 5: Explore her collaborations with other musicians.

Ella Fitzgerald collaborated with some of the greatest musicians in jazz history, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. Listen to her recordings with these other musicians and appreciate the chemistry between them.

Ella Fitzgerald’s best songs are a treasure trove of jazz music. By following these tips, you can get the most out of her music and appreciate her incredible talent and artistry.

Summary of key takeaways:

Listen to her recordings in chronological order to appreciate her evolution as an artist.
Pay attention to her vocals and appreciate the nuances of her voice.
Read the lyrics to her songs and see how she interprets them.
See her live if you can to experience her energy, charisma, and talent.
Explore her collaborations with other musicians and appreciate the chemistry between them.

Transition to the article’s conclusion:

Ella Fitzgerald was a true pioneer in jazz music, and her music continues to inspire and delight listeners around the world. Her best songs are a testament to her incredible talent and artistry, and they will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Conclusion

Ella Fitzgerald’s best songs are a testament to her incredible talent and artistry. Her unique vocal abilities, her improvisational skills, and her ability to interpret a song and make it her own have made her one of the most beloved and influential jazz singers of all time. Her recordings continue to be enjoyed by jazz fans around the world, and her legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

Ella Fitzgerald’s music has something to offer everyone. Whether you are a jazz aficionado or a casual listener, you are sure to find something to love in her music. Her songs are full of joy, sadness, love, and hope. They are the perfect soundtrack for any occasion.

If you have never listened to Ella Fitzgerald’s music, I encourage you to give it a try. You may just find yourself a new favorite singer.