Ella

Ella Fitzgerald

By cassiejl14

  • Ella Fitzgerald was born

    She was born in Newport News, Virginia.

  • Talent Contest at the Apollo Theatre

    Ella entered the contest as a dancer, but she started singing when the audience booed her. She won the contest.

  • The Harlem Opera House signed Ella as a featured singer

    She was discovered here by Bardou Ali, the master of ceremonies for the Chick Webb Orchestra. After proving herself to Chick, she became a member of his band.

  • Savoy's battle of the bands

    The Chick Webb Orchestra competed against the Benny Goodman Orchestra. The contest lasted five hours, as they went back and forth, trying to outplay the other. Ella sang the Chick Webb Orchestra to victory.

  • "A-tisket, A-tasket"

    Al Feldman, another member of the band, worked with Ella to write and record "A-tisket, A-tasket"
  • Period: to

    Musical Awards

    Ella won 13 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and many other musical awards.

  • Scat Singing

    Ella Fitzgerald made scatting popular.

  • Carnegie Hall

    Ella and Dizzy Gillespie headlined a sold out performance at Carnegie Hall.

  • "Jazz at the Philharmonic"

    Ella joined this traveling tour of jazz musicians that was created to promote racial harmony and to make jazz music more known around the world.

  • Honored at the Kennedy Center

    President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter named Ella one of the most talented American performers who has ever lived.

  • National Medal of Arts

    President Ronald Reagan presented Ella with this medal to recognize her life's achievements.

  • Death