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Ella Fitzgerald, universally revered as 'The First Lady of Song' and 'Queen of Jazz', was one of the most influential and celebrated jazz vocalists of the 20th century, renowned for her pure tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, intonation, and extraordinary improvisational ability, particularly in scat singing.Born in Virginia and raised in Yonkers, New York, Fitzgerald overcame early hardship to win a talent contest at Harlem's Apollo Theater in 1934. She rose to fame with Chick Webb's orchestra, later leading it after his death. Her groundbreaking solo career spanned over six decades, marked by legendary Songbook albums interpreting the Great American Songbook, collaborations with icons like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, 13 Grammy Awards (including the Lifetime Achievement Award), the National Medal of Arts, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

• Fitzgerald spent part of her youth homeless and destitute in New York after her mother died, working as a lookout for a brothel and running errands for illegal gamblers before her Apollo debut.
• Despite facing significant racial discrimination, including being barred from hotels and restaurants while performing, Fitzgerald's talent transcended barriers, making her a beloved international star.
• A major turning point was her manager Norman Granz's insistence on equal treatment for her and her band during tours, integrating venues like the Mocambo nightclub in Hollywood.
• She suffered from diabetes for many years, leading to numerous health issues. Complications from the disease resulted in the amputation of both legs below the knees in 1993 and ultimately caused her death in 1996.
• She adopted her half-sister's son, Ray Brown Jr., following her sister's death, raising him with her then-husband, bassist Ray Brown.