JAM: KUVO Celebrates Lady Ella Fitzgerald

This year marks 100 years since the birth of Ella Fitzgerald. Following her childhood, Ella Fitzgerald turned to singing and debuted at the Apollo Theater in 1934. Discovered in an amateur contest, she went on to became the top female jazz singer for decades. In 1958, she made history as the first African-American woman to win a Grammy Award. She would go on to win 13 Grammys in total and sell more than 40 million albums.

As her career progressed, Fitzgerald performed as a solo artist and collaborated with jazz greats including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie. Her scat singing skills helped usher in the bebop era of jazz. Later, Fitzgerald returned to more classic arrangements in an attempt to find a wider audience. Her Cole Porter Songbook and Great American Songbook recordings had more universal appeal and sealed her legacy as one of the most talented American singers.

Tune in on Tuesday, April 25 as KUVO hosts honor Ella Fitzgerald – EVERY HOUR – ALL DAY as we continue our Jazz Appreciation Month celebrations!