When the sun comes out: Ella leads me from the darkness July 31, 2009 10:34 5 Comments
You might have guessed this. You might. If you're a close friend. If you read this blog regularly. I love Ella. I do. Which is, I suppose, ironic, if you consider that I once sneered at her.
Once, long ago, when I was little more than a callow coed, I spent two weeks with a newspaper photographer who lived in a trailer on the border. (You don't need to know why. Really. The details are not as interesting as you might think. Truly. So let your imagination soar.) This guy was mad, mad for Ella. He followed her when he wasn't working. He shot several of her album covers. Ella was always on his stereo. Always. There was never a moment of silence. I was confused. Puzzled. Perplexed. Ella? Why? Why not Helen Humes? Alberta Hunter? Billie? Ella? Ella? Square. That was the word for Miss Fitzgerald. Or so I thought. Then. Oh, silly, silly little blonde girl.
Now. Now, I am nearly as ardent about Ella as Tad. (Was that his name? Mmmm. I think so. Good photographer. Obviously.) When I am locked in a dark place, she unlocks the door. She reminds me not only that I can be better, but that I should be. She reminds me to reach for the stars. Because it's the right thing to do. Whether I ever catch one or not.
So. I have been reading about Miss Fitzgerald. Namely, Ella Fitzgerald: A Biography of the First Lady of Jazz by Stuart Nicholson. Let me share these interesting tidbits about Ella:
From 1953 until the mid-70s, she was chosen as the top female vocalist by Down Beat critics poll.
Says pianist Jimmy Rowles: "She was always either singing or listening to music. . . . Music is everything."
So, dear readers, what do you think about Ella? Share. Please. I want to know. I wait, breath bated.
Comments
Still Life in South America on May 20, 2015 12:14
I love Ella too—much more than Billie or Sarah. However, Dinah comes in a close second. I love that you can so often hear Ella’s song tinged with a smile. It’s pure joy, and pure professionalism.
One of my favorite Ella songs is her duet with the Ink Spots—“I’m Beginning to See the Light.” Have you heard it?
Denise Calhoun on May 20, 2015 12:14
My favorite version of “I’m Beginning to See the Light” has been the Duke Ellington-Joya Sherrill version from 1944. However, I just went online and listened to the Ella-Ink Spot version. Wow! It’s so playful and seductive. Love it. Thanks for pointing it out to me.
Good to hear from you. You’ve been a stranger.
BethD on May 20, 2015 12:14
To be succinct….the best female singer ever.
Still Life in South America on May 20, 2015 12:14
The Ellington version certainly has some swing to it! :-) I had never heard of Joy Sherrill, but she’s good. Her voice is crystal clear.
My grandparents listened to the Ink Spots a lot when I was growing up.
When you have time, check out my post from Aug 6. I think you’ll like it. Just guessing since you’re a music fan.
Denise Calhoun on May 20, 2015 12:14
I am indeed. Listening to Howlin’ Wolf right now, although I have little of his music. Do like him though.
I ordered the Ink Spot version and I am eagerly awaiting its arrival in the mail.