In 1979 Kennedy Center Honors The First Lady of Song Ella Fitzgerald . In this clip only her part With Peggy Lee Joe Williams Count Basie John Hendricks
I am 28 years old, and every night, almost without fail, I listen to one of Ms. Fitzgerald’s “Songbook” albums to lull me to sleep. The Jerome Kern Songbook is my favorite, but I vary usually from one night to the next. Many singers can keep a person awake, but it takes a truly special singer to help a person sleep. My adoration and respect for this woman knows no bounds. Yes, I have been called an “old soul” on numerous occasions, and I wear that moniker as a badge of honor, if it means I love people like Ella Fitzgerald. What a talent. What a lady.
I’m 39 and fell under her spell at a younger age, I believe I was 23 when I heard her and said: “What a gorgeous voice”. I haven’t stopped saying that since. I listen to all kinds of music but end up always coming back to her.
I was the same way in my teens in the 90s! My favorite was the Porter Book...I would sleep like a Baby and actually dream the songs as they played! YEARS later the first time I sang "De-Lovely" publicly it was impromptu and I had never sang it before. But when they called the tune, I went for it and realized I had learned that whole song IN MY SLEEP years before.
One of the coolest things that ever happened to me in my life was meant for my mother took me to see Ella in Nanuet New York when I was 11 years old I dressed up in a tux and sneakers and my mom wore a red velvet down vintage and it was an amazing concert I love Ellis so much she was amazing and I've been scat singing my whole life
I wonder if Ella really ever truly understood how much she was loved. I’ll bet not. Honestly -- I’d image it’s hard for a person to understand what people think when they’ve never met them. I suppose an artist enjoys applause and they know they are liked. But some, like Ella, are genuinely loved. I love her and I feel I know her because I hear her soul in her music. She doesn’t (I should say didn’t b/c I know she’s deceased) know me from Adam and yet I know her and I love her. It’s in real time. Although she’s passed, her music lives on and I enjoy her now, in real time. God bless Ella Fitzgerald. She is truly loved.
Her home in LA was always open to musicians and actors down on their luck. It was the place to hangout and dish the news of the day. She was one of a kind..
I met her in West hollywood in early 1990's in the parking lot of a yoghurt store and told her how much I admired and respected her. She was gracious although just recovering from surgery. She was also humble sitting in front seat with her driver in her Benz because" when I was younger had to sit in the back and now I have my white nurse sitting in the back" she joked and I have treasured that few minutes with her
Fantastic! I was lucky to have seen her perform at Lincoln Center - circa 1991. Late in her life and career, she was lead onto the stage because she was nearly blind. She sat on a stool and belted out like she was a much younger woman. I think I cried because this was so moving ...and her voice was perfection. She then kicked off her shoes and performed in her stockings and never looked more glamorous. She died not long after. That performance was truly one of my life's highlights.
I saw her in 1980 in the super club Venetian Room at the St Francis Hotel in San Francisco. I was 24. Every time I looked away from her I thought she sounded as if she was in her 20s. She was amazing! I’m a rock n roll girl usually but she is my absolute FAVORITE female singer
I read in Sir John Dankworth's autobiography that one of Ella's last gigs was with his jazz orchestra. He had been told by management that he absolutely couldn't end the concert late as they couldn't afford to pay the musicians overtime. As he led Ella offstage with people loudly cheering for an encore, she asked 'can I go back on?' John replied 'sorry no you can't' and she sadly acquiesced. She died soon after, and Dankworth says his greatest regret in his career was not letting her go back on; it was worth a few thousand dollars to hear more of what would be one of Ella's last gigs. He called her the sweetest person he ever had the pleasure of working with.
@@tomkelly4336 haha true true! I read in John Dankworth's autobiography how he met Cleo when his orchestra was auditioning for a new 'girl singer'; she was shy, had no technical musical knowledge, and a voice that just about knocked the entire orchestra over! They were a very sweet couple, it's so sad that John died early and suddenly
As the saying goes, "They don't make 'em like that any more". Ella, the Count, Joe Williams, Peggy Lee, etc. They are all sorely missed. Thank you for uploading this cherished trip down memory lane.
Sister Veronica she wasn’t in my generation, yet I listen to her, and enjoy her as if she was. Music is timeless. I watch her, and miss her. I pray you’re well too Sister Veronica.
Hi sister! I am brazilian and I live in Brazil. When I was ten years old I wanted to be a religious like you. I worked as a teacher until I retired. Now I study music and I'm doing hymns.
Beautiful humility from a legend in her own right; the late and phenomenal Miss Peggy Lee. Ella, you are missed on this impoverished earth, but you left us with luscious, heart felt vocals that lifted us and taught generation after generation of singers how to 'do' jazz. May your spirit rise forever and thank you for all you gave us. Jonathan XXX
When I was like 6 yrs old my dad played every kind of music .., Ella was on the list .. I loved her from that moment on .. mind u I grew up with James brown Aretha but my heart belonged to ella
So agreed. So classy. America 🇺🇸 at our best is Roslyn Carter, and her precious husband, our President. 1979. I was 10. Gosh what a year. I actually remember it so well.
Those were the years.. - somehow the stars are soooo much smaller these days.. And, Ella, of course, was at another level - pure music. It looks like she would have rather been on the stage than sitting still.
Grew up on my dad’s Jazz records particularly 'Live from Newport 1957'. Air Mail Special and Lullaby of Birdland are the 2 moments I realized I couldn’t live without singing. Beautiful Ella, my hero, a beauty inside and out, thank you for sharing your gifts. You are loved and you are missed. 💗
Over the years from inception to recent years, there has never been a recipient to receive a standing ovation from a clip of their prior performance. The audience was so wowed by that clip it was if Ella was performing live. Now that is the sign of musical genius. That's why Ella is known as the First Lady of Song!
So well said ... The current trash in the white house has put a stain on the face of America. Thank goodness they have dug their own grave and will be history in a few weeks. Meanwhile Ella's legacy lives on and will always be cherished
The fact that so much of this repertoire was created in such as short span of time is beyond remarkable. Add to it, the emotional resonance (the fight for freedom) and it it is truly remarkable. I hope future generations will find inspiration in this generosity of spirit and fellowship of creation. Can we, as current creators, tap into this wonderful legacy? I hope so. I'm trying with everything within me.
I cannot even imagine what this world would have done without Ella. She gave us pure joy with her beautiful voice and great songs. Ella was a wonderful genuine person. I miss her and how she was truly loved by all of us.
Saw Ella at the Carter Baron Theater back in the sixties. What a performance. What a night. Love her. Look forward to seeing and hearing her again when I get to heaven. Thank you for sharing.
I saw her sing in Chicago about 1959. Apart from a glorious performance, what was noticeable and wonderful was the fact that she simply opened her mouth and music flowed out. I know that sounds odd ... but it is true. Her singing was utterly a miracle then and even now.
🎉I first saw Ella in the Memorex commercial as a kid and I thought she was an opera singer because of the way she soared that note out. I don't really like opera, so I didn't pay attention to her. I have perfect pitch in my ears but can't sing worth a darn. Then I heard her voice on a radio show and that was that. Now I play her songs all night. She has spoiled me for anyone else. First L🎉of Song 🎵 is an understatement 🎉!! She was the best ever! I worship at her feet. I only wish I could have had the opportunity to meet her. All the God's blessings and i🎉hope to see you in the next life. 🎉❤
Count Basie, Ella, Peggy, etc. etc. What happened to American music? I love rock, don't get me wrong. But big band, jazzy singing, heart and soul, blow me out. Where did that go?
I used to wonder about that but the more I listen to jazz today I am amazed at the talent out there. Don’t under estimate the modern scene. It’s world wide now and these modern players swing. I find the new jazz to be respectful of the tradition and legacy of Ella and the masters.
The Ella Fitzgerald tribute was superb, with Peggy Lee, Count Basie and Joe Williams, however, in the film clips, I would have included the performance of Ella and Sinatra singing their medley on his Man And His Music special; one of the best musical shows of the last sixty years, and Ella at her best.
Since honors like this always look backward at an entire career, it’s difficult to look forward and try to see who we will appreciate as much in the future. Face it - looking at these people in their prime, those years of the 1930s, ‘40s and into the ‘50s were very rich indeed. I just don’t see the arts being that well represented in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Are we not in a Golden Age of the Arts in America but maybe more of a Bronze Age? Sometimes I think we are back in the age of mud huts when it comes to artistic achievements. A guy like Jeff Bezos is not in this category.
This is a wonderful tribute to a lady that my grandparents ADORED!!! Watching this makes me think of how much they must of listened to her, danced and bought her records. I think of them both whilst watching this...God Bless Them Both xxx
Seeing Halston here sitting behind Martha Graham was an unexpected bonus. They don't make people like this anymore. So many fabulous artist gone. RIP all. ❤ 🙏
One of greatest singer of all times i glad she was honored in this way she truly deserved it lam glad i found this some how she has been little forgotten but for this tape her star still shines movie should be made about her my grand mother turned me on to her and i never turned her off still gaming in 2024 go ella go.❤❤❤❤ 9:29 9:30
Ella was truly the First Lady of Song. She was The Best 🎉 I have perfect pitch in my ears so I can't Even listen too myself, She took it too I the 100th level Lady you were the Absolute Best 🎉ever 🎉😊😊😊
The great Tony Bennett. I will say that, at first, I didn't know his music till later when I started listening to jazz. I learning to grow on liking his music and his legendary voice. Mr. Bennett will be missed, but his music will live on. RIP
It was planned that way so that she could go forward singing and swinging..had nothing to do with the 'back of the bus,jive'...The First Lady of Song...Ella!
I was born in 1966 so she was before my time. I first heard about her when she received the American Music Award Of Merit. I also remember her doing a commercial for tdk tapes, and several years ago they did a tribute album to her. Even in France she was revered.
Love How Williams, he and his wife Jillean were a great couple and fabulous neighbors. Appreciating the Memories. ❤ There are truly special people whom let their Souls shine through.
I don’t know if she did and that’s probably what made her so wonderful! Yet, she knew enough to make an album with the Duke, make another with Louis, and on and on…and I’m grateful for a mother who brought me up with her
Mrs Carter was an Amazing First Lady. Ella Fitzgerald, what Can I say. Amazingly a brilliant singer. Saw her Las Vegas, WOW 👏 😮 👏. Marilyn Monroe Really got the world To know her. Had the restaurant in Hollywood to book Her, and she, Marilyn promised to Be there in front for the week. Yes, a lover of Ella. Thank you Marilyn Monroe, thank you Ella Fitzgerald. You're wonderful 👏 💛❤ 💖 💗
has there ever been a better music organization than the great Count Basie.. and the amazing Joe Williams......hope you all went to go listen to Joe a bit
These people were all legends so much class not like to day when a star get up on the Grammy stage an anounce she might not be wearing under wear boy times have change . 19:42
Duffy Jackson using a double bass drum kit here for this show, unusual for him. Great drumming by Duffy on the drum feature Whirlybird. He must have just taken over the drum chair from Butch.
I just realized that Rosalynn Carter and Joanne Woodward have the same accent, and they are both from Georgia, though not sure if they are from the same part of the state. I think it must be a regional accent that is dying out because younger Georgians don't have that accent...there is a gentility to Mrs. Carter's and Ms. Woodward's accents that has largely died out.
