Ella Fitzgerald Net Worth - The Golden Voice Of Jazz And The Enduring Queen Of Musical Brilliance
Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists in the history of jazz and popular music. Known as the "First Lady of Song" and the "Queen of Jazz," Ella Fitzgerald's vocal range, improvisational skills, and impeccable phrasing made her a virtuoso performer who left an indelible mark on the music world. Ella Fitzgerald net worth was $10 million at the time of her death.
Author:Alex MercerReviewer:Nathanial BlackwoodJun 23, 20235K Shares126K Views
Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists in the history of jazz and popular music. Known as the "First Lady of Song" and the "Queen of Jazz," Ella Fitzgerald's vocal range, improvisational skills, and impeccable phrasing made her a virtuoso performer who left an indelible mark on the music world. Ella Fitzgerald net worthwas $10 million at the time of her death.
Born in Newport News, Virginia, Fitzgerald's talent was discovered at a young age when she won an amateur talent contest at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, in 1934. This victory propelled her into the spotlight and marked the beginning of her remarkable career.
Fitzgerald's unique vocal style, characterized by her pure tone, exceptional control, and impressive vocal range, allowed her to effortlessly navigate through various genres, including jazz, swing, scat, and ballads. Her ability to interpret and infuse songs with emotion captivated audiences worldwide.
Throughout her career, Fitzgerald collaborated with many notable jazz musicians, including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and Oscar Peterson, among others. Her collaborations produced some of the most iconic recordings in jazz history.
One of Fitzgerald's career highlights was her series of songbook albums, where she interpreted the works of famous composers such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Duke Ellington. These albums showcased her versatility and became some of the most critically acclaimed recordings of her career.
Ella Fitzgerald received numerous accolades and awards throughout her lifetime, including 14 Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She broke racial barriers, becoming one of the first African-American performers to achieve mainstream success and popularity.
Beyond her exceptional talent, Fitzgerald was known for her warm and gracious personality, endearing her to fans and fellow musicians alike. Her legacy lives on as her music continues to inspire and influence generations of singers.
Ella Fitzgerald's contributions to jazz and her remarkable vocal prowess cemented her status as a true icon of music, leaving an everlasting impact on the genre and earning her a place among the greatest artists of all time.
Quick Facts About Ella Fitzgerald
| Name | Ella Fitzgerald |
| Date Of Birth | Apr 25, 1917 - Jun 15, 1996 |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | United States of America |
| Profession | Singer, Actor |
| Net Worth | $10 Million |
Career Of Ella Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald sang at Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in 1934 after a few years of singing on the streets of Harlem to make ends meet. She got first place for her performances of the songs "Judy" and "The Object of My Affection." The next year, Fitzgerald and the Tiny Bradshaw band had a weeklong performance at the Harlem Opera House. She received an invitation to join bandleader Chick Webb's orchestra after having a significant amount of popularity with both audiences and her competing musical acts.
She later became well-known for her performances at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem and for the songs she recorded, which included "Love and Kisses" and "(If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have to Swing It." When she released her rendition of the children's song "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," which became one of the best-selling songs of the decade, Fitzgerald attained her greatest level of public exposure to date. Webb's band was renamed Ella and Her Famous Orchestra after his death in 1939, with Fitzgerald serving as the conductor. She recorded about 150 songs with the band. Ella Fitzgerald & Her Savoy Eight was a side project she worked on while also recording and performing with the Benny Goodman Orchestra.
Music Career
Ella Fitzgerald - Cheek To Cheek
Fitzgerald joined the Three Keys in 1942 and took over as their main vocalist. She scored notable singles with Louis Jordan, the Delta Rhythm Boys, Bill Kenny & the Ink Spots, Dizzy Gillespie, and Jazz at the Philharmonic. She was signed to Decca Records. Fitzgerald made a notable transition to scat singing at this time; her 1945 scat recording of "Flying Home" had a significant impact. Her 1947 bebop rendition of "Oh, Lady Be Good!" was very significant. Fitzgerald departed Decca Records in the middle of the 1950s and signed with the brand-new Verve Records.
When she began her first engagement at Hollywood's Mocambo nightclub, she experienced a turning point in her career. The first of eight "Song Book" set Fitzgerald recorded for Verve from 1956 to 1964 was the album "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book," which was released in 1956. In the end, Fitzgerald's most critically acclaimed and economically successful work was the "Song Book" series. Fitzgerald made praised albums for Verve Records in addition to her "Song Book" recordings, including "At the Opera House," "Ella in Rome," "Twelve Nights in Hollywood," and "Ella in Berlin." Later, she released many noteworthy albums for Capitol Records, including "Brighten the Corner," "Ella Fitzgerald's Christmas," "Misty Blue," and "30 by Ella."
Film And Television
Throughout her career, Fitzgerald made several film and television appearances. She portrayed vocalist Maggie Jackson in the 1955 jazz crime movie "Pete Kelly's Blues," which is considered to be her most memorable performance. Fitzgerald then made appearances in "St. Louis Blues" and "Let No Man Write My Epitaph." Fitzgerald also performed as a guest on a number of television programs, including "The Frank Sinatra Show," "The Andy Williams Show," "The Ed Sullivan Show," and "The Carol Burnett Show." She has starred in advertisements, most notably for the fast food restaurant Kentucky Fried Chicken and the manufacturer of computer tapes Memorex.
Final Albums
Fitzgerald's album "Jazz at Santa Monica Civic '72" became an unexpected smash in 1972; its popularity led to the founding of Pablo Records, for which she would go on to record almost 20 albums. In the 1970s, she also produced the songs "Ella in London," "A Perfect Match," "Lady Time," and "Fine and Mellow." She released many albums in the 1980s, including "The Best is Yet to Come," "Easy Living," and "All That Jazz." She exclusively recorded live recordings in the next ten years, such as "Ella Returns to Berlin" and "Ella Fitzgerald in Budapest." "Ella at Zardi's," her last album, was released in 2018.
Personal Life And Death
Benny Kornegay, a local dockworker and drug dealer, and Fitzgerald were married in 1941; the union was later dissolved the following year. Later, in 1947, Fitzgerald married bassist Ray Brown, and the two of them adopted Fitzgerald's half-sister Frances' kid. Later, the couple divorced in 1953. Four years later, it was revealed that Fitzgerald had secretly been engaged to Thor Einar Larsen, a young Norwegian man. The marriage, however, was short-lived since Larsen was found guilty in Sweden of stealing money from a previous fiancé and received a five-month term of hard labor.
Fitzgerald had a variety of additional health issues in the final years of her life as a consequence of her diabetes. She had a short period in the hospital in 1985 for respiratory issues before returning the following year for congestive heart failure. Due to the effects of her diabetes, Fitzgerald had to have both of her legs amputated below the knee in 1993. She had a stroke in June 1996 and died at home at the age of 79.
Ella Fitzgerald's Net Worth
American jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald had a $10 million fortune at the time of her death. Jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald gained popularity in the 1930s when she joined the Chick Webb Orchestra. After that, she had success in her solo career and worked with notable musicians like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Fitzgerald received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in addition to 14 Grammy Awards during the course of her career.
Ella Fitzgerald Legacy
Fitzgerald's impact on American music and society is still felt today. Her donations also support the continuation of her efforts as a philanthropist and civil rights activist. Fitzgerald won the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Arts, and the Equal Justice Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People during her lifetime. She also founded the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, which provides funding for medical research, basic care for the poor, and education.
Interesting Facts About Ella Fitzgerald
- At the age of 17, Fitzgerald won an amateur singing contest at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, launching her career in music.
- Fitzgerald was a pioneer of scat singing, popularizing the vocal improvisation technique using nonsense syllables.
- She recorded a series of eight albums known as the "Songbook" series, featuring the songs of renowned composers such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin.
- Ella Fitzgerald collaborated with jazz legend Louis Armstrong on several recordings, creating a legendary musical partnership.
- Known as the "First Lady of Song," Fitzgerald earned this title for her contributions to jazz and her exceptional vocal talent.
- Fitzgerald was the first African-American woman to win a Grammy Award, receiving it in 1959 for Best Individual Jazz Performance.
- She recorded over 200 albums throughout her career, making her one of the most prolific artists in jazz history.
- Fitzgerald's vocal range spanned three octaves, allowing her to effortlessly navigate through various musical styles and genres.
- In addition to her musical achievements, Fitzgerald was a philanthropist and founded the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, supporting music education and healthcare initiatives.
People Also Ask
What Was Ella Fitzgerald's Nickname?
Ella Fitzgerald was often referred to as the "First Lady of Song" due to her immense contributions to jazz and her exceptional vocal talent.
Who Were Some Of Ella Fitzgerald's Famous Musical Collaborators?
Ella Fitzgerald collaborated with many renowned musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Oscar Peterson.
How Many Grammy Awards Did Ella Fitzgerald Win?
Ella Fitzgerald won a total of 14 Grammy Awards throughout her career, including one for Lifetime Achievement.
What Was The Significance Of Ella Fitzgerald's "Songbook" Series?
Ella Fitzgerald's "Songbook" series consisted of eight albums dedicated to the works of renowned composers such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin. These recordings showcased her versatility and became some of the most critically acclaimed in her discography.
What Philanthropic Efforts Did Ella Fitzgerald Undertake?
Ella Fitzgerald founded the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, which supported music education and healthcare initiatives. The foundation continues her legacy by providing scholarships and grants to aspiring musicians and funding medical research and assistance programs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ella Fitzgerald was an extraordinary jazz vocalist and a true icon of music. With her impressive vocal range, improvisational skills, and pure tone, she left an indelible mark on the jazz and popular music genres. From her early triumph at the Apollo Theater to her groundbreaking collaborations with legendary musicians, Fitzgerald's talent and artistry propelled her to become known as the "First Lady of Song" and the "Queen of Jazz."
Her iconic "Songbook" series showcased her versatility and became revered recording in the history of jazz. Ella Fitzgerald's contributions to music were recognized with numerous Grammy Awards and her philanthropic efforts through the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation continue to support music education and healthcare initiatives. Through her exceptional talent, Ella Fitzgerald has left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of musicians and forever etching her name in the annals of musical history.
Alex Mercer
Author
Alex Mercer is a seasoned author and analyst specializing in wealth research, with a keen focus on evaluating the net worth of individuals across various industries. With over a decade of experience in financial analysis and wealth assessment, Alex has developed a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to an individual's financial status, from investments and assets to market trends and economic policies. His work involves in-depth reviews and analyses, providing insightful observations on wealth accumulation, management strategies, and the socio-economic implications of wealth distribution.
Throughout his career, Alex has become known for his ability to distill complex financial data into understandable and engaging narratives, making the subject of wealth and net worth accessible to a broad audience. His expertise is not just in numbers but in telling the stories behind them, highlighting the journeys, strategies, and decisions that lead to financial success or challenges. Alex's contributions to the field of wealth research are valuable resources for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of wealth in today's world, offering a unique perspective that bridges the gap between financial analysis and human interest.
Nathanial Blackwood
Reviewer
Nathanial (Nate) Blackwood is a distinguished financial journalist with a decade of experience in net worth analysis. He holds an Economics degree from the University of Finance and a Data Analysis certification, enabling him to blend thorough insights with engaging storytelling. Nate is known for making complex financial information accessible to a wide audience, earning acclaim for his precise and reader-friendly analyses. Beyond his writing, Nate is dedicated to financial literacy, actively participating in educational forums and workshops.
He is the founder of PureNetWealth, a platform that demystifies the financial achievements of public figures by exploring the strategies and decisions behind their fortunes. Nate's work bridges the gap between intricate economic concepts and the general public, inspiring a deeper understanding of wealth dynamics. Follow Nathanial Blackwood for essential insights into the financial narratives shaping our world.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles