Ella Fitzgerald
By Anjali Joy
Ella Fitzgerald is most famous for her singing. She was the most popular female jazz artist of her time and the first African American woman to win a Grammy. During her lifetime she sold more than 40 million albums and won 13 Grammy awards. She was also known for her scat singing. Ella could sing almost any kind of song and even mimic instruments in the orchestra.
Ella Jane Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, VA. She passed away on June 15, 1996 in her Beverly Hills home. She had a very troubled childhood, with her parents separating when she was very young and her mother passing away in a car accident when Ella was 15. Her mother's boyfriend Joe died soon after and Ella and her half-sister Frances were left with their aunt.
Ella was discriminated by some theaters and concert halls, who wouldn't let her perform because of her race but many fans protested, including Marilyn Monroe. Ella also struggled with her health for the later part of her life, eventually losing her sight and having to get her legs amputated below the knees. She also had quintuple coronary bypass surgery but kept singing even after all of this.
Ella was determined and talented and changed the way we define music with her fun, upbeat style and new techniques. She was also very compassionate. Many people don't know it, but Ella was a big supporter of child welfare and often donated money to charities that supported disadvantaged kids.