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Date of Birth
Ella Jane Fitzgerald was born April 25, 1917 in Newport News, Virginia. -
Early Life
While she was young, her father died and she moved with her mother to Yonkers, New York.Grew up raised by her mother and her step father, tragically her mother died when Ella was young and Ella continued to live with her abusive step father until she went to live with her aunt. Shortly after moving in with her aunt she was sent away to a boarding school. -
How She Got Started
Ella ran away from the boarding school and lived on the streets until she was able to establish her career.By the year 1935, she won an amateur talent contest at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. -
Engagement of Ella and Chick
After that led to her engagement with Chick Webb a drummer in the big band. -
Her First Record
She recorded her first hit “A-Tisket, A-Tisket” in 1938. The record sold 1 million copies, hit number one and stayed on the top of the charts for 17 weeks. -
Chick Dies
On June 16, 1939 William Henry "Chick" Webb dies of spinal tuberculosis -
Her Special Appearances
Ella also began appearing on television variety shows. She quickly became a favorite and frequent guest on numerous programs, including, "The Andy Williams Show", "The Dean Martin Show." and etc. -
Her First Marriage
Fitzgerald married Benny Kornegay on December 10, 1947 . -
She Receives Her First Award
Ella Fitzgerald became the first African American woman to win a Grammy Award in 1958 -
Her Last Goodbye
On June 15, 1996 Ella Jane Fitzgerald dies of diabetes and also she died of a stroke.
