“Ella Fitzgerald” is often hailed as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time, known for her impeccable technique, beautiful tone, and expressive phrasing. Throughout her career, she recorded hundreds of songs that have become beloved classics, solidifying her status as a true icon of American music. From sultry ballads to upbeat swing numbers, her performances always radiated a warmth and sincerity that captivated audiences around the world.
In this list, we’ll take a look at the 10 best Ella Fitzgerald songs of all time, showcasing her incredible talent and lasting legacy. These songs represent some of the finest moments in jazz history and are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who hears them. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to a world of timeless melodies and unforgettable performances, courtesy of the one and only Ella Fitzgerald.
1. “Summertime”
“Summertime” is a classic jazz standard performed by Ella Fitzgerald, originally composed by George Gershwin for the opera “Porgy and Bess.” Fitzgerald’s interpretation of the song features her signature smooth, silky vocals, backed by a lush orchestral arrangement. The song’s languid tempo and dreamy melody evoke the lazy, hazy days of summer, while Fitzgerald’s emotive delivery imbues the lyrics with a sense of longing and nostalgia.
2. “Mack the Knife”
“Mack the Knife” is a popular jazz standard performed by Ella Fitzgerald, originally composed by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht for the musical “The Threepenny Opera.” Fitzgerald’s version of the song features her signature scatting, as well as her impeccable timing and phrasing. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody are juxtaposed with the darker lyrics about a notorious criminal, creating a sense of tension and excitement.
3. “Someone to Watch Over Me”
“Someone to Watch Over Me” is a classic jazz ballad performed by Ella Fitzgerald, originally composed by George Gershwin for the musical “Oh, Kay!” Fitzgerald’s version of the song features her signature smooth, velvety vocals, backed by a gentle piano accompaniment. The song’s poignant lyrics about loneliness and the desire for companionship are beautifully conveyed through Fitzgerald’s emotive delivery, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
4. “Cheek to Cheek”
“Cheek to Cheek” is a classic jazz standard performed by Ella Fitzgerald, originally composed by Irving Berlin for the musical “Top Hat.” Fitzgerald’s version of the song features her signature smooth, velvety vocals, backed by a lush orchestral arrangement. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody evoke the joy and excitement of falling in love, while Fitzgerald’s impeccable timing and phrasing bring the lyrics to life.
5. “The Lady is a Tramp”
“The Lady is a Tramp” is a popular jazz standard performed by Ella Fitzgerald, originally composed by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the musical “Babes in Arms.” Fitzgerald’s version of the song features her signature scatting, as well as her playful and sassy vocal delivery. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody are paired with humorous and irreverent lyrics that subvert gender roles and traditional ideas of femininity.
6. “A-Tisket, A-Tasket”
“A-Tisket, A-Tasket” is a popular swing-era song performed by Ella Fitzgerald, originally written as a nursery rhyme. Fitzgerald’s version of the song features her signature scatting and lively vocal delivery, backed by a swinging big band arrangement. The song’s catchy melody and playful lyrics tell the story of a young girl who loses her yellow basket, and Fitzgerald’s dynamic and engaging performance brings the story to life.
7. “How High the Moon”
“How High the Moon” is a popular jazz standard performed by Ella Fitzgerald, with music written by Morgan Lewis and lyrics by Nancy Hamilton. Fitzgerald’s version of the song features her signature scatting and virtuosic vocal range, as well as a driving big band arrangement. The song’s intricate melody and fast-paced tempo showcase Fitzgerald’s incredible vocal abilities, and her scatting improvisations are both dazzling and playful.
8. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”
“I’ve Got You Under My Skin” is a popular song performed by Ella Fitzgerald, originally written by Cole Porter. Fitzgerald’s version of the song features her rich and expressive vocal delivery, backed by a lush orchestral arrangement. The song’s romantic and introspective lyrics are paired with a beautiful melody that showcases Fitzgerald’s ability to convey emotion through her voice. Fitzgerald’s interpretation of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” is both tender and passionate, and her nuanced performance brings depth and meaning to the classic love song.
9. “But Not for Me”
“But Not for Me” is a classic jazz standard performed by Ella Fitzgerald, with music written by George Gershwin and lyrics by his brother Ira. Fitzgerald’s version of the song is a masterful interpretation of the melancholic and bittersweet melody, paired with poignant and introspective lyrics. Her voice delivers the song’s poetic verses with a gentle yet soulful tone, evoking a sense of longing and unrequited love. Fitzgerald’s ability to convey complex emotions through her voice is on full display in her rendition of “But Not for Me,” making it a standout in her illustrious career.
10. “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”
“It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” is a timeless jazz classic performed by the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. Written by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills, the song features an upbeat and infectious melody, paired with witty and playful lyrics. Fitzgerald’s version of the song is a lively and energetic performance, showcasing her incredible vocal range and agility. Her voice glides effortlessly over the swinging rhythms, imbuing the song with a sense of joy and exuberance.
