Ella Fitzgerald Quotes: Inspiring Words from the Queen of Jazz
Ella Fitzgerald, often referred to as the “First Lady of Song” or the “Queen of Jazz,” was a legendary American jazz singer known for her incredible vocal talent and timeless music. Her career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. Beyond her captivating voice, Ella Fitzgerald shared her wisdom and insights through her quotes, offering inspiration to generations. In this article, we will explore some of the most memorable Ella Fitzgerald quotes that continue to resonate with people today.
The Early Life of Ella Fitzgerald
A Humble Beginning
Ella Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia. She grew up in Yonkers, New York, facing a challenging childhood marked by poverty and personal hardships.
A Turning Point
Ella’s life took a significant turn when she entered a talent competition at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, in 1934. This marked the beginning of her remarkable career.
Ella Fitzgerald’s Journey to Stardom
The Breakthrough
Ella’s collaboration with the Chick Webb Orchestra led to her first hit, “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” in 1938, propelling her to stardom.
Breaking Racial Barriers
Ella Fitzgerald was a trailblazer in breaking racial barriers in the music industry. Her success helped pave the way for future African American artists.
Ella Fitzgerald’s Quotes on Life and Music
On Perseverance
Ella once said, “It isn’t where you came from; it’s where you’re going that counts.” This quote reflects her determination to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
On Music and Emotion
She also remarked, “The only thing better than singing is more singing.” This quote underscores her deep passion for music and its power to evoke emotions.
Ella Fitzgerald’s Legacy
A Timeless Legacy
Ella Fitzgerald’s influence on the world of jazz and music in general is immeasurable. Her recordings continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by people of all ages.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Ella received numerous awards and accolades, including 14 Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as a musical icon.
Ella Fitzgerald’s quotes and her extraordinary journey from a difficult upbringing to becoming a jazz legend serve as an inspiration to us all. Her words remind us of the importance of perseverance, the beauty of music, and the potential to break barriers. As we continue to enjoy her timeless music, let us also cherish the wisdom she shared through her quotes.
What is Ella Fitzgerald best known for?
Ella Fitzgerald is best known for her exceptional vocal talent and her significant contributions to the world of jazz music.
How did Ella Fitzgerald break racial barriers?
Ella Fitzgerald broke racial barriers by becoming one of the first African American artists to achieve mainstream success in the music industry, paving the way for future generations.
What is Ella Fitzgerald’s most famous song?
One of Ella Fitzgerald’s most famous songs is “Summertime,” which remains a beloved classic.
How can I listen to Ella Fitzgerald’s music?
You can listen to Ella Fitzgerald’s music on various streaming platforms, and her albums are widely available in music stores.
Where can I learn more about Ella Fitzgerald’s life and career?
You can explore Ella Fitzgerald’s life and career through biographies, documentaries, and online resources that delve into her remarkable journey.
Phrases
01. “The only thing better than singing is more singing.”
02. “Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
03. “It isn’t where you came from; it’s where you’re going that counts.”
04. “I stole everything I ever heard, but mostly I stole from the horns.”
05. “I’m always thinking about creating. My future starts when I wake up every morning… Every day I find something creative to do with my life.”
06. “I know I’m no glamour girl, and it’s not easy for me to get up in front of a crowd of people. It used to bother me a lot, but now I’ve got it figured out that God gave me this talent to use, so I just stand there and sing.”
07. “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”
08. “I sing like I feel.”
09. “You have to look at yourself objectively. Analyze yourself like an instrument. You have to be absolutely frank with yourself. Face your handicaps, don’t try to hide them. Instead, develop something else.”
10. “I never knew how good our songs were until I heard Ella Fitzgerald sing them.”
11. “The only thing that comes to him who waits is what’s left by those who got there first.”
12. “When you’re singing, you’re using extra muscles, and it requires a lot of exercise and breathing. You can’t do that if you’re a sissy.”
13. “I never had a chance to play with dolls like other kids. I started working when I was six years old.”
14. “You have to have something before you can give it away.”
15. “Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
16. “I was a shy, quiet kid. I was happiest playing by myself with my dolls. My first audition was for the glee club in high school.”
17. “I owe Marilyn Monroe a real debt… she personally called the owner of the Mocambo, and told him she wanted me booked immediately, and if he would do it, she would take a front table every night. She told him – and it was true, due to Marilyn’s superstar status – that the press would go wild. The owner said yes, and Marilyn was there, front table, every night. The press went overboard. After that, I never had to play a small jazz club again. She was an unusual woman – a little ahead of her times. And she didn’t know it.”
18. “When you’re on top, you have a lot of fair-weather friends. But as soon as it starts going south, they’re gone.”
19. “I’m too old to be a pop idol. I’m too fat to dance like James Brown. I’m too hammy to perform in an intimate setting like Mel Tormé.”
20. “I can’t stand to sing the same song the same way two nights in succession. If you can, then it ain’t music, it’s close order drill, or exercise or yodeling or something, not music.”
21. “I know I’m no glamour girl, and it’s not easy for me to get up in front of a crowd of people. It used to bother me a lot, but now I’ve got it figured out that God gave me this talent to use, so I just stand there and sing.”
22. “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”
23. “I sing like I feel.”
24. “The only thing better than singing is more singing.”
25. “I never knew how good our songs were until I heard Ella Fitzgerald sing them.”
26. “I’m always thinking about creating. My future starts when I wake up every morning… Every day I find something creative to do with my life.”
27. “You have to look at yourself objectively. Analyze yourself like an instrument. You have to be absolutely frank with yourself. Face your handicaps, don’t try to hide them. Instead, develop something else.”
28. “I never had a chance to play with dolls like other kids. I started working when I was six years old.”
29. “It isn’t where you came from; it’s where you’re going that counts.”
30. “The only thing that comes to him who waits is what’s left by those who got there first.”
31. “I was a shy, quiet kid. I was happiest playing by myself with my dolls. My first audition was for the glee club in high school.”
32. “You have to have something before you can give it away.”
33. “Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
34. “I owe Marilyn Monroe a real debt… she personally called the owner of the Mocambo, and told him she wanted me booked immediately, and if he would do it, she would take a front table every night. She told him – and it was true, due to Marilyn’s superstar status – that the press would go wild. The owner said yes, and Marilyn was there, front table, every night. The press went overboard. After that, I never had to play a small jazz club again. She was an unusual woman – a little ahead of her times. And she didn’t know it.”
35. “When you’re on top, you have a lot of fair-weather friends. But as soon as it starts going south, they’re gone.”
36. “I’m too old to be a pop idol. I’m too fat to dance like James Brown. I’m too hammy to perform in an intimate setting like Mel Tormé.”
37. “I can’t stand to sing the same song the same way two nights in succession. If you can, then it ain’t music, it’s close order drill, or exercise or yodeling or something, not music.”
38. “Sometimes I sound like gravel, and sometimes I sound like coffee and cream.”
39. “I don’t need to be married. But I feel a void in my life.”
40. “You gotta study your craft.”
41. “I’m a real stubborn lady. I’m not giving up. I’m not going anywhere.”
42. “I was a failure in show business for 16 years. Then one day I decided to be Ella Fitzgerald.”
43. “You are supposed to belt out your troubles, to reach out, to introduce yourself, to make life interesting.”
44. “I don’t have to be an imitation of a white woman that Hollywood sort of hoped I’d become. I’m me, and I’m like nobody else.”
45. “It’s not where you come from, it’s where you’re going that counts.”
46. “The only thing I regret about the past is the length of it. If I had to live my life again, I’d make the same mistakes, only sooner.”
47. “I don’t think I ever really enjoyed my childhood. They made me practice all the time.”
48. “I have to sing almost every night. I couldn’t stand to sing the same song the same way two nights in succession. I sing a song one night, then I sing it a different way the next night.”
49. “For the bad times, jazz… For the good times, jazz.”
50. “Just don’t give up what you’re trying to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
