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“The Queen of Jazz, First Lady of Song, or Lady Ella”, is what the young woman
who changed jazz in a phenomenal way was, and still is called. Ella Fitzgerald is one of
a few women who helped pave a pathway for females in the music industry, especially
those of color. The horn-like and deep voice is what many people enjoyed and lived for
when listening to Ella perform. At the time of her upcoming she was very much criticized
for her strange and unusual voice, but she began the expressive purpose of training her
voice to reach all types of notes. Ms. Fitzgerald most definitely earned the name of
being “The Queen of Jazz”. The talents she portrayed to the world gained the respect
from many other known Jazz artists. Prior to reaching these extreme heights, life wasn’t
all that easy for Ella, she definitely had to start at the bottom much like these other
known jazz artists. Her early years helped shape the inspirational artist we see her as
today.
Born on April 25, 1917 in Newport News, Virginia, Ella was immune to moving
around. Her parents separated right after her birth, causing her to move to Yonkers,
New York. Money was certainly an obstacle, and at a young age Ella was forced to help
out. She picked up many jobs such as working as a messenger and a lookout for a
brothel. Throughout these experiences she was very much introduced to the fast and
music life surrounding her. At times, her and her friends would take trips to Harlem, and
attend acts at the Apollo Theatre. Her first love was dance, and that is what she longed
for during this time in her life. It was not shortly after until Ella entered a rough road
ahead. In 1932, her mother passed away due to complications from a car accident and
her step-father passed away due to a heart attack. Ella and her step-sister were forced
to go live with their aunt. The move was hard and Ella, in particularly did not take it well.
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She never attended school, grades were horrible, and she eventually got in trouble with
the law.
The troubles she encountered forced her to attend a reformatory school, and
shape her attitude. She did not last very long in there due to the abuse and harsh
discipline, and sooner or later left the school. This left her stranded and broke for a
