Ella Fitzgerald Quotes

Powerful Ella Fitzgerald for Daily Growth

About Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald, affectionately known as the "First Lady of Song" or simply "The Queen of Jazz," was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia. Raised primarily by her mother in Yonkers, New York, Ella showed an early aptitude for music. At 15, she won a talent contest at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, launching her career. Her vocal style was shaped significantly by the sounds of Louis Armstrong and KoKo Taylor, whom she admired and emulated. Fitzgerald's unique scat singing technique, characterized by improvisation, rhythmic syncopation, and vocalese, set her apart in the music world. In 1938, Fitzgerald signed with Decca Records. However, due to initial studio-imposed limitations on her recording repertoire, she didn't find great success until she switched to Norman Granz's Verve Records in 1956. With Verve, Ella recorded some of her most celebrated albums, including "Songs in a Mellow Mood," "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook," and "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook." Throughout her six-decade career, Ella Fitzgerald received numerous accolades, including 13 Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts in 1963, and a Kennedy Center Honor in 1987. Her powerful voice and versatile style have inspired countless artists across various genres. Ella Fitzgerald passed away on June 15, 1996, but her music continues to resonate, influencing new generations of musicians and leaving an indelible mark on jazz and popular music as we know it today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Jazz is not just music, it's a feeling."

This quote by Ella Fitzgerald signifies that jazz transcends the realm of auditory experience; it represents an emotional state or sensation. It's more than just sounds and chords – it carries a profound sense of human emotion, passion, and soul. Jazz is a way to express one's innermost feelings in a unique and vibrant manner.


"The only thing better than singing is more singing."

Ella Fitzgerald's quote emphasizes her profound love for music, particularly singing, stating that there is nothing greater than the act of singing, except perhaps doing it even more. It suggests a deep passion for her craft and an unquenchable desire to continually engage with her art, expressing herself through song. This statement can be interpreted as a testament to the joy she found in music and her commitment to sharing that joy with others.


"It's amazing how much you can accomplish when it matters that you succeed."

This quote suggests that when one is deeply motivated, committed, or passionate about achieving a goal, they have a remarkable ability to focus their efforts and make significant progress towards accomplishing it. It underscores the idea that personal drive and determination can be powerful forces in overcoming obstacles and realizing success. In other words, if success matters enough to us, we are more likely to put in the necessary work, persist through challenges, and eventually achieve our objectives.


"I don't know what a million dollars is worth, but I sure know what a million kisses are worth."

This quote by Ella Fitzgerald suggests that while she may not be able to place an exact value on monetary wealth (a million dollars), she has a clear understanding of the emotional worth or impact of affectionate gestures like kisses (a million kisses). The quote implies that, for her, the feeling and intimacy derived from such expressions are priceless. It's a poetic way to express the idea that love and affection can hold great value in one's life, perhaps even surpassing material wealth.


"You've got to live life in song, baby."

This quote by Ella Fitzgerald signifies a philosophy that suggests life should be experienced as an ongoing musical performance. It implies living each moment with passion, joy, and harmony - just like a song. In other words, facing every situation with grace, expressing emotions through actions, and finding beauty in the ordinary are ways to "live life in song."


The only thing better than singing is more singing.

- Ella Fitzgerald

Birthday, Better, More, Singing

I stole everything I ever heard, but mostly I stole from the horns.

- Ella Fitzgerald

Everything, Ever, Mostly, Stole

I'm very shy, and I shy away from people. But the moment I hit the stage, it's a different feeling I get nerve from somewhere; maybe it's because it's something I love to do.

- Ella Fitzgerald

Love, Away, Very, Nerve

Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.

- Ella Fitzgerald

Love, Inspirational, Give, Wrong

It isn't where you came from, its where you're going that counts.

- Ella Fitzgerald

Going, Where, Counts, Came

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