Remembering Ella Fitzgerald

Today we honor and remember the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, who passed away on this day, June 15, 1996, she lost her battle with diabetes. Ella was an extraordinary woman whose contributions to music and society have left a mark that will never be erased. She was born April 25, 1917, in Newport News Virginia. Her Mother was Temperance (Tempie) Henry, and her father was William Fitzgerald. Her parents separated a couple years after her birth and her mom met and shared her life with her new partner, Joseph da Silva. Ella Fitzgerald overcame so many obstacles at a young age following the death of her mother (car accident) and Mr. da Silva (heart attack). She rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated and influential jazz singers of all time.

Ella enjoyed singing and dancing, but her career began when she won an amateur singing competition at the Apollo Theater in 1934. This pivotal moment launched her career which spanned six decades. She recorded over 200 albums and won 13 Grammy Awards. Her incredible vocal range, impeccable diction, and emotional delivery earned her the titles of the “First Lady of Song” and the “Queen of Jazz”. Beyond her musical achievements, Ella was a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry. She broke racial barriers during a time of segregation and discrimination, performing in venues that were previously inaccessible to black artists. Her success opened doors for future generations of female musicians and performers, proving that talent and determination could overcome societal obstacles.

A lesser-known fact about Ella Fitzgerald is her love of cooking and baseball. Yes baseball. Her team was the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite her fame, she enjoyed simple pleasures and often cooked for her family and friends. She married twice. first to Benny Kornegay, a dockworker and then to famous bassist Ray Brown. Although both marriages ended in divorce, she remained close to Ray and together they adopted a son, Ray Brown Jr.

Ella’s philanthropic efforts were also noteworthy. She supported numerous charities, particularly those focused on disadvantaged youth and medical research. Her legacy includes the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, which continues to provide support today. Ella Fitzgerald was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Inglewood Park Cemetery in the Los Angeles area in California.

As we honor Ella Fitzgerald’s memory, I invite women everywhere to join our community in celebrating her life and achievements. Let us draw inspiration from her resilience, her passion for excellence and her commitment to breaking barriers. Together, we can continue her legacy by supporting and empowering each other to achieve our dreams. We strive for a world where every woman’s voice is heard and celebrated.

Love & Lite

Gina❤️