Today in History: Ella Fitzgerald

Portrait of Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Milt (Milton) Jackson, and Timmie Rosenkrantz

Today in History–April 25–the Library of Congress features Ella Fitzgerald, born on this date in 1917. One of the greatest jazz singers of all time, Fitzgerald got her start at Amateur Night at Harlem’s Apollo Theater and went on to win 13 Grammys, including two of the first awarded in 1958. Learn more about this legendary vocal artist by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access some more primary sources.

Ella Fitzgerald Was Born from America’s Library

Ella Fitzgerald image set

Ella Fitzgerald to appear on Danny Kaye show

Ella Fitzgerald historical newspaper coverage

“Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book”

Ella Fitzgerald biography (PBS, Ken Burns Jazz)

Primary Source Spotlight: Jazz Music