Ella Jane Fitzgerald—known as the "First Lady of Song" or "Queen of Jazz"—was a celebrated American jazz vocalist. She emerged in the 1930s and continued to captivate audiences through the 1990s. Fitzgerald showcased her remarkable vocal versatility across a spectrum of genres, including swing, bebop, blues, bossa nova, gospel, and even jazz-infused Christmas tunes. Her signature style involved pioneering scat singing and an impressive vocal range of three octaves, allowing her to improvise like a jazz instrumentalist.
Debuting at the Apollo Theater in 1934, Fitzgerald's career skyrocketed, and she became renowned for her collaborations with various artists, including Louis Armstrong. She was a pivotal figure in Chick Webb's Big Band and later embarked on a successful solo career, amassing a discography of classics. Some of her notable achievements include Grammy wins, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and an enduring legacy that influenced generations of musicians.