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Biography

Ella Fitzgerald: Forever Ella (2 Parts)

Known as the "First Lady of Song," she could do it all as a vocalist—swing, scat, bebop, pop and much more. Her extraordinary talent and good nature made this orphan one of the most beloved entertainers of our time. From her days as a girl singer, hitting the big time with "A Tisket, A Tasket," and throughout the '40s, '50s and '60s, she redefined jazz, performed with some of the greatest names in American music and rose to the pinnacle of popular success. This episode of BIOGRAPHY chronicles the life and talents of Ella Fitzgerald. Forever Ella would be useful for classes on American History and Culture, African American History, Music and Media. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Objectives
Students will explore the worlds of music, popular culture and the twentieth century in this video. They will examine the impact of Ella Fitzgerald on American popular music, as well as the influences of race and racism on American popular culture.

National History Standards
Ella Fitzgerald: Forever Ella fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretations, and historical research capabilities for United States History eras 8, 9 and 10.

Vocabulary

• alleged
• definitive
• emulate
• enthrall
• exclusive
• humility
• impeccable
• impromptu
• indifference
• integrate
• melancholy
• notorious
• perception
• precursor
• priority
• self-effacing
• solidify
• spontaneity
• truant
• unadulterated

Discussion Questions

1. Ella Fitzgerald was an amazing talent. Discuss the vast range of her vocal abilities.
2. Fitzgerald's childhood was one of hardship and struggle. Discuss her childhood in relation to issues of poverty and race.
3. Fitzgerald's family was part of the great northern migration of African Americans. When did this migration occur? What were some of the reasons for this large migration?
4. Discuss the growth of popular music after World War I. What contributed to this growth?
5. How did a poor girl like Ella Fitzgerald get into show business?
6. Chick Webb was one of the most popular bandleaders of his day. Why was he reluctant to have Ella Fitzgerald out front as a lead singer of his band?
7. Ella Fitzgerald is known for her ability to scat. What is scat? What made Fitzgerald the master of this vocal form?
8. The legendary Savoy Ballroom was a landmark in Harlem. What made this dance hall so popular? Who are some of the entertainers that performed there?
9. After World War II, there was a decline in big band music. How did Fitzgerald survive this decline?
10. How did Fitzgerald get one of her nicknames, "First Lady of Swing?"
11. Fitzgerald was part of the bebop movement. What is bebop?
12. Discuss the role of Norman Granz in Fitzgerald's career.
13. Discuss the impact of Fitzgerald's songbooks on popular music in the mid-twentieth century.
14. How did Fitzgerald's voice change as she aged?
15. Discuss Ella Fitzgerald’s contribution to American music.
16. What is the legacy of Ella Fitzgerald?

Extended Activities

1. Create a memorial or commemorative design to honor the life and talent of Ella Fitzgerald.
2. Listen to one of Ella Fitzgerald's recordings at http://museum.media.org/ella/ and design a CD insert for one of her songs.

Primary Sources

• 'Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do . . . Where there's love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.' -Ella Fitzgerald