Ella Fitzgerald is a jazz music legend, considered one of the greatest singers of all time. Born in 1917 in Newport News, Virginia, she began her musical career by winning a singing contest at the age of 17 and quickly emerged as a jazz star. She is best known for her distinctive interpretation of jazz standards and popular songs, as well as her impeccable phrasing and smooth, refined vocal tone.
She has worked with many jazz greats, such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, and has recorded numerous albums throughout her long career, winning numerous Grammy Awards and finally the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992.
She was often called the “First Lady of Scat” because she was famous for her scat performances, an improvisational singing technique that uses non-speech syllables.
She recorded over 200 albums during her career, making her one of the most recorded artists of all time.
She died in 1996 at the age of 79, but her music continues to inspire jazz singers today.
The album
The album is in line with the albums of jazz singers that we have already heard in this list: Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan. “Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook” was released in 1956 and features Ella Fitzgerald performing songs by the famous songwriting duo George and Ira Gershwin. This album has been considered one of the most important of Fitzgerald's career, showcasing her ability to capture the essence of Gershwin's music while adding her own vocal signature.
It is a full-length album with no less than 59 songs. It includes songs such as Someone to Watch Over Me, The Man I Love and Embraceable You. It is considered one of the earliest examples of the theme album tradition in jazz and has been praised for the quality of Fitzgerald's performance, as well as for the careful production.
Looking For a Boy
Looking for a Boy is a love song about a woman looking for an ideal man. The song has a light and playful tone, reflecting the joy of the search for love. The lyrics are simple and melodious, highlighting the voice of Ella Fitzgerald.
I am just a little girl
Who's looking for a little boy
Who's looking for a girl to love
Tell me please, where can he be
The music is based on a big band arrangement and includes instruments such as saxophones, trumpets and drums. The musical style of the song is typical of 1950s jazz, with rich harmonies and complex arrangements.
Looking for a Boy is an example of Ella Fitzgerald's vocal talent. Her clear and powerful voice, combined with her expressive performance, have made this song a timeless classic of jazz music.
Where to listen to Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook?
- Listen to Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook on Spotify
- Listen to Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook on Deezer
- Listen to Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook on Youtube