Paying homage to the first lady of song

In previous columns, I’ve only mentioned some of the great female vocalists while writing about other musicians. It’s time to pay homage to an all-time great vocalist who began as a jazz singer but later became hugely successful in pop. The undisputed First Lady of Song is, of course, Ella Fitzgerald, who used her voice like a musical instrument.

Ella was not just a singer; she took jazz and blues singing to another dimension and became the standard by which all future vocalists are measured. Whether singing R&B, pop, or jazz, she made every song her own. Her range, tone quality, and technical ability spelled perfection. But what really made her stand out was her ability to sing with feeling and unique phrasing, comparable only to Sinatra.

Let’s start by going to YouTube and typing in: “Top Tracks for Ella Fitzgerald.” This is a great listening and viewing post, as it contains 100 videos from which to choose. Some are with Ella backed by a just a piano or a small ensemble, some with a full orchestra. I’m going to list some of the must-watch videos, but be ready to get seduced by Ella and find yourself spending an hour or so enjoying her music.

Here are a few of my favorites: “It Don’t Mean a Thing.” This is Ella for the jazz lover, as she uses her scatting skills and drives it home. Follow that with the soulful “My Funny Valentine.” Then jump and jive to “Blue Skies.” I’ll bet you wanted to get up and dance, right? Don’t stop now! Pick out some of your own choosing and get lost in Ella’s music.

Also from this site, you can click on “Ella Sings the Cole Porter Song Book.” This is one most people aren’t familiar with by Ella that features her incredible phrasing. Listen to her as she moves from one octave to another so effortlessly doing “Black Coffee.”

One of my all-time favorites is from the album: “Ella Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Song Book” (1959). Type in “Ella Fitzgerald Someone to Watch Over Me.” That is Ella singing Gershwin. What a combination!

Be sure to search out videos of Ella with the big bands, including those with Duke Ellington’s and Count Basie’s orchestra behind her. Finally, look for Ella and her friends, especially duets performed with Frank Sinatra and Louie Armstrong. It doesn’t get any better than this.

Hope you have enjoyed going back in time with me. Please share your suggestions for future columns along with comments regarding this one. Write to me at greengeezer9@comcast.net

Live Music Alert – Don’t forget to get your tickets for the upcoming holiday concert by the Sun City Concert Band. The days and times are: Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m., both in Drendel Hall.

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