The First Lady Of Song

Fitzgerald at a White House performance in October 1981

Ella Fitzgerald, the First Lady of Song, was born on this day in 1917. Readers can link to my Fitzgerald entry from last year here for more biographical information.  And this video-rich tribute prepared by Scott Johnson posting at powerlineblog.com should provide plenty of entertainment.

Fifty years ago, Fitzgerald was in the midst of recording her famous "Songbook" series of eight albums representing the best of the Great American Songbook. Nothing since has quite matched it. Doubt anything will. Though she left us in 1996, Ella simply "is." I can only imagine the look on the faces of the heavenly hosts when she waltzed through those pearly gates scat singing all the way. Simply incomparable. Maybe too marvelous for words.

Sources

Photos and Illustrations:
White House, Item C4495-9A, President Reagan with Ella Fitzgerald after her performance for King Juan Carlos I of Spain in the east room, 10/13/81; Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley, California.