Ella Fitzgerald by Francine Winham

Ella Fitzgerald became the most famous jazz singer in the world almost by accident.  In 1934 she entered a talent contest at Harlem’s Apollo...

Ella Fitzgerald became the most famous jazz singer in the world almost by accident.  In 1934 she entered a talent contest at Harlem’s Apollo Theatre planning to dance.  But when she saw the dynamic dancing of the Edwards Sisters before her, she changed her mind and decided to sing.  Facing boos and jeers, she silenced the audience with her rendition of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Judy”.  By the time she had finished they were yelling for more…

The seeming effortlessness of Ella’s singing is in fact extremely hard work. Her diction is phenomenal and her voice is consistent in tone from top to bottom. I love this photograph, showing the sweat running down her face.