Photo courtesy of Noteablebiographies.com |
There is much to say about "The First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald. Like many African American artist of her time she came from broken beginnings. Her parents separated shortly after her birth April 25, 1917 and their were a few rough spots throughout her lifetime, a bout of depression after her mothers death in 1932, problems with the law, divorces, discrimination, you name it Ms. Fitzgerald has been through it. She captured motions that dug deep into your soul, and her struggles became yours.
In 1934 Ella was just a "street kid" competing at Ameteur Night at the Apollo. She had all intentions on dancing, however her plans changed after seeing the Edwards Sister perform. This choice was life changing, after her vocal performance the audience wanted more. Week after week Ella came back with powerful vocals and finally won on November 11, 1934. Chick Webb immediately noticed her talent. Ella joined Webb's band in 1935,where she scored her first hit A-Tisket, A-Tasket. After Webb's untimely death in 1939 Ella took over his band, and continued to make waves in the jazz world.
Ella Fitzgerald performed with all the greats including Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, and Count Basie just to name a few. She lived her life covering songs by musicians like George and Ira Gershwin adding her unique flair.
On of the biggest contribution that Ella Fitzgerald has made in history is as the first African American woman to win a Grammy in its inaugural year 1959. In 1943 she was the youngest person to be admitted in the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. Ms. Fitzgerald has numerous other awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, honary doctrats from several universities including Yale and Harvard, and a Liftime Achievement Award from National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and was an advocate for child welfare. It is also rumored that she was also the first African American Woman to headline the Superbowl in 1972, however I have not been able to confirm.
Ella Fitzgerald died June 15, 1996 and still continues to gain recognition from the new generation of jazz lovers.
Hairstory Like the stars of today Ella Fitzgerald rocked many different hairstyles from wigs, hairpieces, and press n' curl so it is very hard to pinpoint a signature style, however pictured below are three of my favorite looks that complimented her jazzy vocals.
Ella Fitzgerald continues to be a priceless inspiration to me. What Women have inspired your life?
Peace and Love,
Peace and Love,
Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks
"I believe in Kingdom Blogging!"
Find out more about Ella Fitzgerald on the web. |
Check out other post from the "Black Women in History," series....
Photo sources: Hairstories photo for Over-sized bun and Naturally Curly from www.ellafitzgerald.com, Feathered and Fancy photo found on Google lost the link sorry
Orginally Posted February 3, 2011
Updated: February 7, 2013
Orginally Posted February 3, 2011
Updated: February 7, 2013
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