The 'First Lady of Song' is not only widely considered the greatest female jazz singer of all time in her own right, but her collaborations with Chick Webb, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, and others...brought everyone's art to a higher plane.
Each Daily Cuppa Go post is like a daily newspaper to enjoy with your favorite cuppa. There's a series of related stories on a theme, and just like a newspaper, you can browse as your time and interests lead you.
The photograph above has Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman enjoying Ella Fitzgerald's singing at the Downbeat Club in New York City, 1948.
St. Louis Blues: Ella Fitzgerald & Chick Webb at the Savoy Ballroom (1939) - Radio Broadcast of Ella Fitzgerald and Chick Webb from the Savoy Ballroom, Harlem, New York. This collaboration began in 1935, when 16-year-old Ella Fitzgerald joined Chick Webb's band. Her singing lit up the Savoy Ballroom and launched her career.
You Won't Be Satisfied (Until You Break My Heart): Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong (1946) - This was the very first collaboration of these two jazz legends, a collaboration that saw many, many more recordings.
Ella Fitzgerald and Tommy Flanagan Trio, Helsinki (1965) - Although not as well-known as some of Ella Fitzgerald's other collaborations, Tommy Flanagan was essentially Ella Fitzgerald's full-time accompanist and collaborator for over a decade.
Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington, Stockholm (1966) - A 28-minute video clip from a Swedish TV broadcast.
Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington at the Cote D'Azur (1966) - Jazz à Juan festival at Juan-les-Pins, on the French Riviera. Duke Ellington fires up the crowd and then Ella comes on at about 23:35 in the 39-minute video.
Ella Fitzgerald and the Tommy Flanagan Trio, Montreaux Jazz (1969) - A 1-hour live concert.
All-Star Swing Festival (1972) - A one-hour concert with Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman, Linonel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck, and more!
Duets in Hannover: Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass (1975) - Ella Fitzgerald recorded four albums with guitarist Joe Pass. This is a really lovely 1-hour live concert with just the two of them.
Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie, Montreaux Jazz (1979) - 12 minutes of greatness!