Ella Fitzgerald is one of the most iconic and influential jazz singers of all time, known for her unique voice and innovative phrasing. Over the course of her career, Fitzgerald released countless memorable tracks that continue to captivate audiences to this day. From her early days as a big band vocalist to her later collaborations with some of the greatest musicians of her time, her legacy has had a profound impact on the world of music.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of Ella Fitzgerald’s greatest hits, showcasing her range and versatility as a singer. From classic standards like “Summertime” and “Mack the Knife” to lesser-known gems like “Jersey Bounce” and “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” these songs represent the very best of Fitzgerald’s work. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her music for the first time, this list is sure to give you a deeper appreciation for the artistry and talent of one of the most beloved singers of the 20th century.
1. I’m Making Believe
“I’m Making Believe” is a classic jazz duet performed by Ella Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots. Released in 1944, the song has since become a beloved standard in the genre, known for its smooth melodies and romantic lyrics. The track showcases Fitzgerald’s signature vocal style, characterized by her effortless phrasing and rich tonality. The song’s lyrics speak to the bittersweet experience of falling in love, with Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots trading verses and harmonizing throughout the track. The music is backed by a lush arrangement of strings and horns, adding to the song’s timeless appeal. Overall, “I’m Making Believe” is a testament to the enduring legacy of Ella Fitzgerald’s music and a must-listen for fans of classic jazz.
2. It’s Only a Paper Moon
“It’s Only a Paper Moon” is a classic jazz standard performed by Ella Fitzgerald, originally written in 1932 by Harold Arlen, E. Y. Harburg, and Billy Rose. Fitzgerald’s version of the song, released in 1950, is widely regarded as one of the definitive renditions of this timeless classic. The track features Fitzgerald’s signature scatting, showcasing her unparalleled improvisational skills and vocal range. The song’s playful lyrics and upbeat tempo make it a beloved favorite among jazz enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. The backing band, led by pianist Lou Levy, provides a swingin’ accompaniment that perfectly complements Fitzgerald’s dynamic vocal performance. Overall, “It’s Only a Paper Moon” is a shining example of Fitzgerald’s unparalleled talent and enduring legacy in the world of jazz.
3. Summertime
“Summertime” is a classic jazz standard that has been covered by countless artists over the years, but perhaps none so iconic as Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition. Originally composed by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera “Porgy and Bess,” the song has since become a beloved jazz classic. Fitzgerald’s version, released in 1968, showcases her effortless vocal range and phrasing, accompanied by a lush arrangement of strings and brass. The song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics speak to the joys and sorrows of life, making it a timeless favorite for jazz enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. Fitzgerald’s interpretation of “Summertime” is widely regarded as one of the definitive versions of the song, cementing her place as one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.
4. I’m Beginning to See the Light
“I’m Beginning to See the Light” is a classic swing tune that features Ella Fitzgerald’s signature vocals backed by a swinging big band. Originally written by Duke Ellington, Don George, Johnny Hodges, and Harry James in 1944, Fitzgerald’s version, recorded in 1956, highlights her ability to inject energy and personality into any song she performs. The track features Fitzgerald’s iconic scatting, where she improvises using nonsensical syllables, showcasing her remarkable improvisational skills. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a favorite among jazz enthusiasts and dancers alike. Fitzgerald’s version of “I’m Beginning to See the Light” is a shining example of her talent and enduring legacy in the world of jazz, proving why she remains one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.
5. Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall
“Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” is a classic duet performed by Ella Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots. Originally written in 1944 by Doris Fisher and Allan Roberts, the song features a lush arrangement of strings and horns that perfectly complement Fitzgerald’s and The Ink Spots’ vocal harmonies. The song’s lyrics speak to the ups and downs of life and the need to find hope even in the darkest moments. The track features Fitzgerald’s smooth and expressive vocals, which are perfectly complemented by The Ink Spots’ signature style. The song has since become a beloved classic, known for its timeless melodies and relatable lyrics. Fitzgerald’s version of “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” is a shining example of her remarkable talent and ability to convey deep emotions through music.
6. A-Tisket A-Tasket
“A-Tisket A-Tasket” is a playful swing tune that showcases Ella Fitzgerald’s remarkable vocal range and infectious energy. The song, originally written in 1938 by Fitzgerald and Van Alexander, is based on a nursery rhyme and has since become a beloved classic in the jazz genre. The track features Fitzgerald’s signature scatting, where she improvises using nonsensical syllables, showcasing her remarkable improvisational skills. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a favorite among jazz enthusiasts and dancers alike. Fitzgerald’s version of “A-Tisket A-Tasket” has since become one of her most well-known recordings, showcasing her ability to inject personality and charm into any song she performs. Overall, “A-Tisket A-Tasket” is a shining example of Fitzgerald’s talent and enduring legacy in the world of jazz, proving why she remains one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.
7. Mack the Knife
“Mack the Knife” is a classic jazz standard that has been covered by countless artists over the years, but perhaps none so iconic as Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition. Originally written in 1928 by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht for their musical “The Threepenny Opera,” the song has since become a beloved jazz classic. Fitzgerald’s version, recorded in 1960, features her signature vocal style, characterized by her smooth and expressive phrasing. The song’s lyrics speak to the dangers of living on the wrong side of the law, and Fitzgerald’s powerful delivery brings the story to life. The track is backed by a swinging big band, which provides the perfect accompaniment to Fitzgerald’s remarkable vocals. Fitzgerald’s version of “Mack the Knife” is widely regarded as one of the definitive versions of the song, cementing her place as one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.
8. Cow Cow Boogie
“Cow Cow Boogie” is a swinging jazz tune that showcases Ella Fitzgerald’s versatility as a performer. Originally written in 1942 by Don Raye, Gene de Paul, and Benny Carter, the song features Fitzgerald’s signature scatting, where she improvises using nonsensical syllables, showcasing her remarkable improvisational skills. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a favorite among jazz enthusiasts and dancers alike. Fitzgerald’s version of “Cow Cow Boogie,” recorded in 1943, features a swinging big band that perfectly complements her powerful vocals. The song’s lyrics speak to the joys of dancing and having fun, making it a beloved classic in the jazz genre. Fitzgerald’s interpretation of “Cow Cow Boogie” is a testament to her talent and enduring legacy in the world of jazz, proving why she remains one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.
9.Can’t Buy Me Love
“Can’t Buy Me Love” is a classic Beatles tune that was covered by Ella Fitzgerald in 1964. Fitzgerald’s version features a swinging big band and showcases her signature vocal style, characterized by her smooth and expressive phrasing. The song’s lyrics speak to the power of love and the futility of material possessions, making it a timeless favorite among listeners of all ages. Fitzgerald’s interpretation of “Can’t Buy Me Love” infuses the song with her own unique personality, adding a touch of jazz flair to the beloved classic. The track perfectly demonstrates Fitzgerald’s ability to take any song and make it her own, showcasing her talent and versatility as a performer. Overall, “Can’t Buy Me Love” is a shining example of Fitzgerald’s enduring legacy in the world of music, proving why she remains one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.
10. But Not for Me
“But Not for Me” is a classic jazz standard written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, which has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Ella Fitzgerald’s version, recorded in 1959, is widely regarded as one of the definitive renditions of the song. The track features Fitzgerald’s signature vocal style, characterized by her smooth and expressive phrasing, which perfectly captures the longing and heartache expressed in the song’s lyrics. The song’s lush arrangement, featuring strings and horns, adds to its timeless appeal. Fitzgerald’s version of “But Not for Me” is a shining example of her remarkable talent and ability to convey deep emotions through music, cementing her place as one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. The song remains a beloved classic in the jazz genre, and Fitzgerald’s interpretation is considered to be one of the finest examples of vocal jazz ever recorded.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
