Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996), also known as Lady Ella (the First Lady of Song), was one of the most important jazz singers of the 20th Century, the winner of thirteen Grammy Awards, the National Medal

Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996), also known as Lady Ella (the First Lady of Song), was one of the most important jazz singers of the 20th Century, the winner of thirteen Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Art presented by President Reagan and the Presidential Medal of Freedom presented by the elder President Bush. Gifted with a three-octave vocal range, she was noted for her purity of tone, near faultless phrasing and intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing.

She was born in Newport News, Virginia, USA in April 1917, and raised in Yonkers, New York. She was orphaned at age 14, following the sudden death of her mother from a heart attack at age 38 and the disappearance of her father shortly following her birth.