Ella Fitzgerald

"The First Lady of Song" is the title Ella Fitzgerald was given by critics and fans, and it was well-deserved. With a career spanning 60 years, with hundreds of recordings to her credit, and with accolades that included the Kennedy Center honors, 14 Grammy awards, and a school of performing arts in her name, Fitzgerald was perhaps the world's most celebrated and accomplished female vocalist. She was so loved by her many fans that they simply referred to her as "Ella."

Fitzgerald was a versatile performer who was comfortable with several different musical styles. In upbeat jazz arrangements, her lively "scat" singing--in which she embellished a melody with rapid nonsense syllables--was often featured. She was also a lyrical interpreter of...