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Birth
Ella Jane Fitzgerald was born in Newport News, Va to mother Temperance (Tempie) who later moved in with her boyfriend, Joseph (Joe) Da Silva, who became Ella's Step-father. She also had a half-sister, Frances. -
Troubled Times
Ella suffered great misfortune and grief through the loss of her mother who died in a car accident and step-father Joe, who suffered a heart attack. She began getting into trouble at school, with police, and caretakers who were abusive. However, Ella persevered and kept using her singing talent by entering talent competitions. -
Catalyst for Success
Ella Fitzgerald was selected in a drawing to perform at the famous Apollo in New York. Initially, she planned to enter as a dancer but changed her routine after other competitive dance acts. She would later gain future success entering and winning numerous amateur talent shows. -
Success on the Horizon
Ella became noted and toured with a traveling band. She eventually recorded her first album at the age of 21 which sold over one million copys. -
The Love Tour
After her band leader and mentor died, Ella became the lead singer and touring heavily. Love sparked with an accompanying tour base player, Ray Brown. The two were married and adopted a son, Ray Brown Jr. -
World Renown
Ella became the most popular female jazz singer and legends in her era with 13 grammy awards. She began touring all over the world and appearing on tv variety shows. She enjoyed a successful music career until the late 1980s when her health began failing. Ella eventually passed away in 1996 due to health issues including diabetes and coronary problems which resulted in a double leg amputation. However, her legendary music career and mark on the industry is a timeless.
