I'm a big fan of lots of music, but jazz is a mainstay for me. When I visited New Orleans years ago to watch the Sugar Bowl in 2009, I made a point to go to as many jazz clubs as I could. From the historic sounds of New Orleans Jazz, to the rich and deep sounds of Miles Davis (who's recently dropped vinyl re-release of "Round About Midnight" I picked up last weekend on Record Store Day), to Dave Brubeck's cool transcendent rhythms, to Ella Fitgerald's boisterous and energetic sound and fantastic singing range, there is just something magical about jazz.
As if the era of bustling downtowns and newly lighted streetscapes was meant to be accompanied by jazz's breadth of technicality, volume, swinging notes, and improvised soundscapes, we constantly see the two intertwined in film, story, and culture.
Ella Fitgerald had a major role in that, by recording over 200 albums and selling over 40 million recorded works, she was a centerpiece of jazz music with a career that spanned many decades.
Her unique style, energy, and passion continue to be praised and emulated today in many genres beyond jazz. Here is a great performance recording of Ella singing one of my favorite classic jazz tunes, "Mack the Knife". Watch it and ask yourself "is there any wonder why she has been named The First Lady of Song"?
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