First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald for the Record

by Geoffrey Mark Fidelman Narrated by Geoffrey Mark Fidelman

Overview

Ella Fitzgerald. The name alone conjures up images of the Savoy Ballroom; of the Chick Webb, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie bands; of hot jazz, sweet ballads, and a genuinely unique presence. Ella Fitzgerald, an artist who has been called a national treasure-and no one has disputed the laudation-has captivated an international audience for more than fifty years. Her inimitable voice has been heard in intimate clubs, in concerts, on radio and television, and on countless recordings.

First Lady of Song is a celebration of her life and work. In these pages are revived memories of duets with Frank Sinatra, harmonizing with Dinah Shore, and solo triumphs at Carnegie Hall.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

In this unauthorized biography of legendary singer Ella Fitzgerald, freelance writer Fidelman provides a year-by-year account of her career from her debut at the Apollo Theater in Harlem in 1934 to her 1993 retirement because of failing health. He emphasizes Fitzgerald's complex relationship with Norman Granz, her longtime manager and producer, and her dedication to her art at the expense of her close friendships and health. But like all Fitzgerald biographies, this one suffers from its paucity of personal material, because the singer doesn't grant interviews and her associates are protective of her privacy. Lengthy discussions of her recordings and her stage, radio and TV performances do not make up for this lack as there is little in-depth analysis of her singing style. In addition, Fidelman is addicted to such irritating turns of phrase as ``Ella warbled on wax'' and ``she was scoring a hit almost every time at bat.'' Appendices listing Fitzgerald's top 10 albums, 100 songs she never recorded, media appearances and a complete discography are included. Photos not seen by PW. (Dec.)

Library Journal

Fitzgerald, who came from a broken home and lived on the streets, won the famous Amateur Night at the Apollo contest and went on to an unparalleled career. In this labor of love, Fidelman chronicles the singer's scores of best-selling recordings and countless awards and, in later years, her being presented to heads of state and working as spokesperson in commercials for Memorex. Ella loved to sing, but her personal life was not so happy, marked by two failed marriages, estrangement from her adopted son, and only a few close friends. But, despite this not-so-perfect life, Fidelman's Ella can do no wrong. Fidelman lays into any who dare say ill of "Miss Fitz" while endlessly praising her in giddy, awkward prose that might be more at home in a fan club newsletter. Every music collection should have a biography of this remarkable singer, but Stuart Nicholson's Ella Fitzgerald: A Biography (LJ 5/1/94) remains a clear first choice.-Michael Colby, Univ. of California Lib., Davis

MARCH 2013 - AudioFile

While this work is, at best, an enthusiast’s attempt at a biography—its subject is, arguably, the best popular singer ever. The cataloging of Fitzgerald’s many television and other media appearances, as well as the discography, is helpful, but the writer’s worship of his subject heavily colors the work. Additionally, the author’s narration sounds unprofessional by the many unedited pauses and sounds of shifting papers. Mouth sounds and other studio realities also should have been eliminated. Ultimately, one is disappointed that this audiobook does not live up to its subject. W.A.G. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169603323
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	01/20/2013
Edition description:	Unabridged

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