“Summertime”
Ella Fitzgerald
Jazz Artist
Newport News, Virginia
Affectionately known as the “First Lady of Song” or the “Queen of Jazz” Ella Fitzgerald remains one of the most popular jazz musicians of all time. Her melodic vocals, revered for their precision and simple beauty opened doors for her at a time when “separate but equal” was an American way of life.

Source: Bettmann / Getty
During her lifetime, Fitzgerald garnered 14 Grammy Awards and sold over 40 million albums. She produced legendary collaborations with jazz greats including Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Nat King Cole.
“It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing”
“A Tisket A Tasket / Imagination / Lady Be Good”
June is Black Music Month and it’s time to celebrate! Join Radio One Richmond as we explore the contributions of African American women in music from Virginia!
Enjoy both classic and contemporary singers, producers, instrumentalists, hosts, and more that have enhanced the melodic landscape of our state.
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Women In Music: Ella Fitzgerald was originally published on kissrichmond.com