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Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Music Legacy

Called “First Lady of Song,” the sound of jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald lingers. In the early 1960s, American popular music dramatically changed, as both soul music and rock and roll began to dominate the record charts, pushing Fitzgerald’s specialties – jazz – into the background. But her fame was not diminished.   

Although Fitzgerald continued to receive acclaim in the 1960s, including winning Grammy Awards, it was a transitional time for her, just as it was for America. What with the civil rights movement’s tensions. The rise of gritty soul music and hard-driving rock and roll reflected this desire for social change.

Her heavy touring eventually caught up with Ella Fitzgerald in the mid-60s. At a concert in Munich, she suddenly stopped singing and had to be lead offstage. She retreated to her new home in Beverly Hills, California. The amount of time she took off as a performer proved beneficial as her strength recovered. She resumed work through concerts, making records and television appearances.

Her music sounded somewhat old-fashioned compared with the new, rocking sounds sweeping America. As a result, she did not forge any new hit records. Fitzgerald did her best to appreciate the new wave of sounds. She expressed enthusiasm for young musicians and singers, including Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and Stevie Wonder she dubbed “young Duke Ellington.” 

Ella Fitzgerald elected to stick to both jazz and pop – music she loved. In the 1970s, interest in jazz emerged especially in her songs. She recorded again on a regular basis, and was one of the first singers featured on Pablo Records, in honor of artist Pablo Picasso.    

By mid-70s, Fitzgerald began to receive a great many tributes in honor of her contributions to the world of music, including honorary degrees. She shared top billing in a series of concerts with vocalist Frank Sinatra and the Count Basie Orchestra in New York City.

More Awards for Ella Fitzgerald

Honored at the Kennedy Center  1979

Rose Award from Lord and Taylor department stores in 1980

Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Club named her Woman of the Year in 1982 to commemorate “A-Tisket, A-Tasket”

Whitney Young Award from National Urban League, a minority groups community service organization

Best Female Jazz Singer from Down Beat magazine for 18 years in a row.    

All-Time Favorite Jazz Singer 13 times by Playboy magazine.

National Medal of Arts award from President Ronald Reagan at the White House

Ella Fitzgerald’s music lifts the spirit, as she consistently expressed them in the lively sounds and ryhtym of jazz. Surely, it doesn’t only come from her mastery of technique, her dedication and commitment but much from her personality, with love from her heart.    

Sources:

Kliment, Bud. Ella Fitzgerald. Chelsea House, 1988

Gold Ella Fitzgerald – 2 CDs , collection of her classic performances

http://shop.abc.net.au/browse/product.asp?productid=347738

Weatherford, Doris. American Women’s History

(Article originally published at Suite101.com)

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Jazz On The West Coast: The Lighthouse

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Preview calendar: Clubs and concerts for July 28-Aug. 3
Jazz Clubs
2-3; Club M, Grand Del Mar, 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Carmel Valley; $ 85; 858-314-2700. Richard Elliot —- Jazz at the Park at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort features outdoor concerts with cabaret-style seating and al fresco dining; 6 pm July 30; …

Jazz Clubs question by solanis: What are some of the best jazz clubs and Piano Bars in Chicago?
Hello!
A friend of mine if coming from France this May and he said he would like to see some of the Jazz clubs or Piano bars, Besides the Green Mill can anyone suggest some of the best Jazz places here in Chicago?

Jazz Clubs best answer:

Answer by Monica F
The Green Mill is the go-to jazz club on the north side.