If you love jazz, you probably know the name Ella Fitzgerald. She was one of the most influential and celebrated jazz singers of all time, with a voice that could melt hearts, and swing with ease. She sang with passion, grace, and joy and left behind a legacy of timeless hits that still inspire and delight listeners today.
In this article, we will showcase 30 of Ella Fitzgerald’s most popular songs spanning from her early career in the 1930s to her later years in the 1980s. We will also explore her life story, her impact on the jazz genre, and her contributions to the civil rights movement. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to her music, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate in this ultimate jazz anthology.
Ella Fitzgerald’s Early Career
Ella Jane Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia. Her parents were unmarried and separated soon after her birth. She moved with her mother and stepfather to Yonkers, New York, where she grew up in a poor and racially segregated neighbourhood. She loved music from an early age and was influenced by jazz vocalists like Connee Boswell and Louis Armstrong.
She experienced a difficult childhood characterised by deprivation, abuse, and the passing of her mother when she was only 15 years old. She dropped out of school and ended up homeless for a while, living on the streets of Harlem. She found solace in singing and dancing and entered an amateur contest at the Apollo Theatre in 1934. She planned to dance but changed her mind at the last minute and sang instead. She won the first prize of $25 and caught the attention of drummer and bandleader Chick Webb.
Webb became Ella Fitzgerald’s mentor and guardian, inviting her to join his orchestra as a vocalist. She made her first recording with him in 1935, titled Love and Kisses, and soon became the star attraction, drawing crowds to their performances at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. She also gained fame with her hit song A-Tisket, A-Tasket, a playful rendition of a nursery rhyme she co-wrote with Webb in 1938.
After Webb died in 1939, she took over his band until 1942, when she then embarked on a solo career, signing with Decca Records and working with various jazz musicians and groups, such as Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, The Ink Spots, and Dizzy Gillespie. Ella experimented with several jazz styles, including swing, bebop, blues, soul, doo-wop, post-bop, and rock and roll.
Ella Fitzgerald’s Top 30 Timeless Hits
Here are 30 of Ella Fitzgerald’s most popular songs, arranged chronologically by their release year. For each song, we will provide a brief description, some notable performances or covers by other artists, and a link to listen to it online.
A-Tisket A-Tasket (1938)
This is the song that launched Ella Fitzgerald’s career as a solo star. It is a catchy and cheerful tune based on a 19th-century nursery rhyme about a girl who loses her yellow basket. Ella co-wrote the lyrics with Chick Webb and recorded them with his orchestra in 1938. It became a huge hit, selling over one million copies and topping the charts for 17 weeks.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Sesame Street, and The Simpsons. It is also featured in several movies and TV shows, such as The Wizard of Oz, The Parent Trap, The Muppet Show, Malcolm in the Middle, and La La Land.
Listen to A-Tisket A-Tasket.
Blue Skies (1946)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s signature songs, showcasing her amazing vocal range and singing skills. It is a classic American song written by Irving Berlin in 1926 for a musical called Betsy. It has been recorded by many artists over the years, such as Bing Crosby, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Rod Stewart, Diana Krall, Lady Gaga, and Tony Bennett.
Ella recorded Blue Skies with the Jazz at the Philharmonic tour in 1946, and it became one of her most popular recordings. She improvised some of the lyrics and scatted with incredible speed and accuracy, creating a thrilling performance that showcased her musical genius.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Willie Nelson, Rod Stewart, Diana Krall, Lady Gaga, and Tony Bennett.
Summertime (1957)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most beautiful and haunting songs, a rendition of the aria from George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess. She recorded it with Louis Armstrong in 1957 as part of their acclaimed album Ella and Louis Again. Their voices blended perfectly, creating a contrast between her smooth and sweet soprano and his raspy and soulful trumpet.
The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, such as Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin, Nina Simone, Norah Jones, Lana Del Rey, and Annie Lennox.
Dream a Little Dream of Me (1957)
This is another duet with Louis Armstrong from their album Ella and Louis Again. It is a romantic and nostalgic song written in 1931 by Fabian Andre, Wilbur Schwandt, and Gus Kahn. It has been recorded by many artists over the years, such as Bing Crosby, Doris Day, Nat King Cole, Mama Cass Elliot, Michael Bublé, and Robbie Williams.
Ella and Louis sang it with tenderness and charm, creating a cosy and dreamy atmosphere. Their version is considered one of the best ever recorded.
Cheek to Cheek (1956)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most joyful and swinging songs, a classic by Irving Berlin from the 1935 musical Top Hat. She recorded it with Louis Armstrong in 1956, as part of their first album together, Ella and Louis. Their version is widely regarded as one of the best interpretations of the song ever made.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald (solo), Lady Gaga, and Tony Bennett.
Listen to Cheek to Cheek.
Porgy and Bess (1957)
This song is the title track of the opera Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin, DuBose Heyward, and Ira Gershwin. It was first performed in 1935 and has been adapted into several films and musicals since then. Ella Fitzgerald recorded her version in 1957 with Louis Armstrong for their album Porgy and Bess. It is a romantic and dramatic song, where the singers play the roles of Porgy and Bess, two lovers from a poor black community in South Carolina. The song features Fitzgerald’s and Armstrong’s emotive and expressive vocals, as well as a rich and orchestral arrangement by Russell Garcia.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Nina Simone, Sammy Davis Jr., Miles Davis, and Barbra Streisand.
Embraceable You (1959)
This song was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the musical Girl Crazy in 1930. It was later used in the film An American in Paris in 1951. Ella Fitzgerald recorded her version in 1959 for her album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook. It is a tender and romantic song, where the singer expresses their love and gratitude for their partner. The song features Fitzgerald’s smooth and gentle vocals, as well as a soft and soothing jazz arrangement.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Sarah Vaughan.
Oh, Lady Be Good (1947)
This song was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the musical Lady, Be Good! in 1924. It was later used in the film A Damsel in Distress in 1937. Ella Fitzgerald recorded her version in 1947 with the Bob Haggart Orchestra for her album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook. It is a lively and upbeat song, where the singer pleads with a lady to be kind and generous to them. The song features Fitzgerald’s energetic and playful vocals, as well as some impressive scat singing and trumpet solos.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Artie Shaw, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Tony Bennett.
Satin Doll
This song was written by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn in 1953. It was later given lyrics by Johnny Mercer in 1958. Ella Fitzgerald recorded her version in 1957 with Duke Ellington and his orchestra for their album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook. It is a catchy and upbeat song where the singer praises the beauty and charm of their lover. The song features Fitzgerald’s lively and playful vocals as well as a swinging and groovy jazz arrangement.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Frank Sinatra, Nancy Wilson, Tony Bennett, and Stevie Wonder.
Airmail Special
This song was written by Benny Goodman, Jimmy Mundy, and Charlie Christian in 1941. It was originally an instrumental jazz tune but was later given lyrics by Ella Fitzgerald in 1952. Ella Fitzgerald recorded her version in 1957 for her album Ella in Rome: The Birthday Concert. It is a fast and furious song where the singer showcases their impressive scat singing skills. The song features Fitzgerald’s incredible vocal range and agility, as well as a thrilling and energetic jazz arrangement.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, Anita O’Day, and Manhattan Transfer.
Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off (1957)
This is another duet with Louis Armstrong from their album Ella and Louis Again. It is a witty and playful song by George and Ira Gershwin from the 1937 film Shall We Dance. It features a series of humorous rhymes that highlight the differences between the two singers’ pronunciations of words such as tomato, potato, oyster, either, neither, etc.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Billie Holiday, Harry Connick Jr., Carly Simon, Rod Stewart, Diana Krall, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, and Robbie Williams.
Misty (1960)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most elegant and sophisticated songs, a ballad by Erroll Garner and Johnny Burke from 1954. It has been recorded by many artists over the years, such as Sarah Vaughan, Johnny Mathis, Ray Stevens, Etta James, Donny Hathaway, Aretha Franklin, Linda Ronstadt, Barry Manilow, Kenny Rogers, Richard Clayderman, and Eric Clapton.
Ella recorded Misty in 1960 for her album Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie. She sang it with grace and emotion, expressing the feelings of being in love and lost in a mist. Her version is considered one of the best ever recorded.
Night and Day (1956)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most dazzling and sophisticated songs, a masterpiece by Cole Porter from the 1932 musical Gay Divorce. She recorded it in 1956 for her album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook, the first of her celebrated series of songbooks dedicated to the great American composers. She sang it with elegance and flair, demonstrating her impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, and intonation.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Fred Astaire, Diana Krall, Rod Stewart, U2, and Everything but the Girl.
You can listen to Night and Day.
Let’s Fall in Love (1963)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most charming and romantic songs, a lovely tune by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler from the 1933 film Let’s Fall in Love. She recorded it in 1963 with Count Basie and his orchestra for their album Ella and Basie! She sang it with sweetness and swing, creating a delightful mood of love and happiness.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Diana Krall, Tony Bennett, Etta Jones, and Chet Baker.
I Got Rhythm (1959)
This song was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the musical Girl Crazy in 1930. It was later used in the film An American in Paris in 1951. Ella Fitzgerald recorded her version in 1959 with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra for her album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook. It is a joyful and confident song, where the singer celebrates their happiness and success in life. The song features Fitzgerald’s vibrant and exuberant vocals, as well as a fast and catchy jazz arrangement.
You can listen to I Got Rhythm.
Puttin’ on the Ritz (1958)
This song was written by Irving Berlin in 1929 and has been recorded by many artists since then. Ella Fitzgerald recorded her version in 1958 for her album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Irving Berlin Songbook. It is a humorous and satirical song, where the singer mocks the high society of New York City who dresses up and shows off in the fashionable Ritz Hotel. The song features Fitzgerald’s witty and sassy vocals, as well as a lively and swinging jazz arrangement.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Taco, and Robbie Williams.
Georgia on My Mind (1983)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most soulful and heartfelt songs, a classic by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell from 1930. It has been recorded by many artists over the years, such as Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Michael Bolton, and Alicia Keys. It has also been the official state song of Georgia since 1979.
Ella recorded Georgia on My Mind in 1983 with guitarist Joe Pass for their album Speak Love. She sang it with emotion and grace, expressing longing and nostalgia for a place and a person.
Someone to Watch Over Me (1959)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most tender and touching songs, a ballad by George and Ira Gershwin from the 1926 musical Oh, Kay! It has been recorded by many artists over the years, such as Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Etta James, Amy Winehouse, Rod Stewart, Sting, and Lea Michele.
Ella recorded Someone to Watch Over Me in 1959 for her album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook. She sang it with simplicity and sincerity, conveying the vulnerability and hope of someone who is looking for love.
You can listen to Someone to Watch Over Me.
Mack the Knife (1960)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most famous and impressive songs, a swing version of a song from the 1928 German opera The Threepenny Opera by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht. It tells the story of a notorious criminal named Mack the Knife, who commits various murders and crimes. It has been recorded by many artists over the years, such as Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, Sting, Westlife, and Brian Setzer.
Ella recorded Mack the Knife in 1960 for her live album Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife. It was a memorable performance, as she forgot some of the lyrics and improvised new ones on the spot while also scatting and imitating Louis Armstrong’s voice. The audience loved her spontaneity and humour and gave her a standing ovation. She won a Grammy for Best Female Vocal Performance for this song.
Listen to Mack the Knife.
They All Laughed (1959)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most upbeat and cheerful songs, a song by George and Ira Gershwin from the 1937 film Shall We Dance. She recorded it in 1959 for her album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook. She sang it with enthusiasm and energy, creating a fun and optimistic mood.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Michael Bublé, and Lady Gaga.
Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered (1956)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most sensual and seductive songs, a song by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart from the 1940 musical Pal Joey. She recorded it in 1956 for her album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Rodgers & Hart Songbook. She sang it with passion and emotion, expressing the feelings of a woman who is in love with a man who doesn’t love her back.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Doris Day, Peggy Lee, Barbra Streisand, Rod Stewart, Cher, Rufus Wainwright, and Kristin Chenoweth.
Listen to Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered
How High the Moon (1947)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most iconic and impressive songs, a swing song by Morgan Lewis and Nancy Hamilton from 1940 musical Two for the Show. She recorded it in 1947 with her orchestra for her album Ella Fitzgerald Sings Songs from Let No Man Write My Epitaph. She sang it with speed and skill, scatting and improvising throughout the song. She also incorporated references to other songs, such as Ornithology by Charlie Parker and A-Tisket A-Tasket by herself.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Benny Goodman, Les Paul & Mary Ford, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O’Day, Pat Metheny, Gloria Gaynor, and Take 6.
Over the Rainbow (1961)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most enchanting and magical songs, a song by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. It is one of the most beloved songs of all time and has been covered by artists such as Judy Garland, Eva Cassidy, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Ariana Grande, Eric Clapton, and Pink.
Ella recorded Over the Rainbow in 1961 for her album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook. She sang it with joy and wonder, expressing her dreams and hopes for a better world.
It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) (1956)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most lively and energetic songs, a song by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills from 1931. It is a song that celebrates the joy and spirit of swing music and has been covered by artists such as Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Thelonious Monk, Diana Krall, Lady Gaga, and Pentatonix.
Ella recorded It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) in 1956 with Duke Ellington for their album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook. She sang it with gusto and flair, showing her scatting skills and swing style.
Cry Me a River (1975)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most emotional and dramatic songs, a song by Arthur Hamilton from 1953. It is a song that expresses the bitterness and resentment of a woman who has been betrayed by her lover and has been covered by artists such as Julie London, Barbra Streisand, Joe Cocker, Aerosmith, Justin Timberlake, and Susan Boyle.
Ella recorded Cry Me a River in 1975 with guitarist Joe Pass for their album Take Love Easy. She sang it with intensity and power, conveying the pain and anger of the lyrics.
You can listen to Cry Me a River.
Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love) (1956)
This is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most witty and playful songs, a song by Cole Porter from the 1928 musical Paris. It is a song that lists various examples of animals and people who fall in love and has been covered by artists such as Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Eartha Kitt, Frank Sinatra, Alanis Morissette, and Iggy Pop.
Ella recorded Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love) in 1956 for her album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook. She sang it with humour and enthusiasm, creating a fun and lively mood.
It’s Only a Paper Moon (1945)
This song was written by Harold Arlen, Yip Harburg, and Billy Rose for a Broadway play called The Great Magoo in 1932. It was later used in the 1933 film Take a Chance. Ella Fitzgerald recorded her version in 1945 with the Delta Rhythm Boys for her album Lullabies of Birdland. It is a whimsical and romantic song where the singer compares their love to a paper moon, a cardboard sea, and a canvas sky. The song features Fitzgerald’s smooth and sweet vocals, as well as some scat singing and vocal harmonies with The Delta Rhythm Boys.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and James Taylor.
Autumn in New York (1956)
This song was written by Vernon Duke for the musical Thumbs Up! in 1934. It was later used in the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally. Ella Fitzgerald recorded her version in 1956 with Louis Armstrong for their album Ella and Louis. It is a nostalgic and sentimental song where the singers describe the beauty and romance of New York City in the fall season. The song features Fitzgerald’s and Armstrong’s warm and expressive vocals, as well as a gentle piano accompaniment by Oscar Peterson.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Rod Stewart.
In a Sentimental Mood (1957)
This song was written by Duke Ellington and Manny Kurtz in 1935. It was later used in the film Anatomy of a Murder in 1959. Ella Fitzgerald recorded her version in 1957 with Duke Ellington and his orchestra for their album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook. It is a melancholic and soothing song where the singer reflects on their feelings and memories. The song features Fitzgerald’s smooth and soulful vocals, as well as a rich and mellow saxophone solo by Johnny Hodges.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as John Coltrane, Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole, and Norah Jones.
Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall ( 1956)
This song was written by Allan Roberts and Doris Fisher in 1944. It was originally recorded by The Ink Spots and Ella Fitzgerald as a duet. Ella Fitzgerald recorded her solo version in 1956 for her album The Best of Ella Fitzgerald. It is a hopeful and optimistic song, where the singer acknowledges the hardships and sorrows of life but also believes that happiness and sunshine will come eventually. The song features Fitzgerald’s cheerful and resilient vocals, as well as a catchy swing rhythm.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Rosemary Clooney, Dinah Washington, Willie Nelson, and Amy Winehouse.
Ella Fitzgerald’s Legacy
Ella Fitzgerald’s influence on future generations of jazz musicians is undeniable. She inspired many singers who followed in her footsteps, such as Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and Beyoncé. She also collaborated with many legendary jazz musicians who admired her talents, such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Stevie Wonder.
Ella Fitzgerald also received many awards and accolades throughout her career. She won 13 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1967. She was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan in 1987 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H. W. Bush in 1992. She was also honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a postage stamp by the United States Postal Service, and a statue in her hometown of Newport News.
Ella Fitzgerald was not only a musical icon but also a social activist. She used her fame and influence to support the civil rights movement and fight against racial discrimination. She donated money to various organisations, such as the NAACP and the Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation. She also refused to perform in venues that practised segregation or mistreated black people. She was one of the first black performers to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Conclusion
Ella Fitzgerald’s music is timeless and universal. She sang with passion, elegance, and joy, touching the hearts and souls of millions of listeners around the world. She was a pioneer and a legend in the jazz genre, setting the standards for vocal excellence and innovation. She was a singer who deserves to be remembered and celebrated as one of the greatest singers of all time.
If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to explore her discography and discover more of her work. You will find a treasure trove of jazz classics that will enrich your musical experience and appreciation.
Thank you for reading this article about Ella Fitzgerald’s top 30 timeless hits, the ultimate jazz anthology.
