If she were still alive, Sunday would have been jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald’s 93rd birthday. The First Lady of Song passed on in 1996, but her music will never ever die.

I’ve always been attracted to her humble spirit and gentle personality, and of course her amazing capabilities as a singer. Nobody could scat sing better than Ella then, and dare I say – nobody can today.

Some songs that she covered back then just remain undeniably hers. In my opinion, Misty is one of those songs — yes, even moreso than Mr. Mathis’ version. Ella’s just does something to my spirit.

Even in her later years, Ella remained lively, sprightly, bubbly, and fun. To the very end she knew, It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).

I can’t quite choose an absolute favorite Ella Fitzgerald song, but if pushed, I’d have to choose between Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered…

and Miss Otis Regrets. Which is a sad, morbid song to end a tribute on (but so beautifully performed!)

so I’ll have to end with the eternally gorgeous Someone to Watch Over Me. So wistful and romantic!

If you’re new to Ella, I recommend you indulge yourself and get The Best of the Song Books. It’s an amazing addition to your musical library.

Are you an Ella fan? What are your favorites?

COMMENTS

Lauren says:

April 26, 2010, 7:20 pm

Major Ella fan! if you like that version of "it don't mean a thing", you gotta hear "the man i love" from the same session. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySszeu4H4QI Absolute hilarity after a beautiful introduction!

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