Ella Fitzgerald: Born April 25, 1917~

Ella Fitzgerald by Al Hirschfeld, 1993. Ink on board. Melvin R. Seiden Collection
of Drawings by Al Hirschfeld, Harvard Theatre Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard University

In mid 1936, Ella made her first recording. “Love and Kisses” was released under the Decca label, with moderate success. By this time she was performing with Chick’s band at the prestigious Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom, often referred to as “The World’s Most Famous Ballroom.”

Shortly afterward, Ella began singing a rendition of the song, “(If You Can’t Sing It) You Have to Swing It.” During this time, the era of big swing bands was shifting, and the focus was turning more toward bebop. Ella played with the new style, often using her voice to take on the role of another horn in the band. “You Have to Swing It” was one of the first times she began experimenting with scat singing, and her improvisation and vocalization thrilled fans. Throughout her career, Ella would master scat singing, turning it into a form of art.
FROM Ella Fitzgerald | Official Site~ http://www.ellafitzgerald.com/about/biography