Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook cover

Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook

Ella Fitzgerald · 1959

180 min · 53 tracks · jazz · soul · swing

A dazzling showcase of jazz sophistication, blending Fitzgerald's voice with Gershwin's timeless melodies.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey through standards
  • sophisticated melodies for relaxation
  • for evening gatherings
  • vocal showcases with emotional depth
  • playful rhythms invite participation

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • dislike lengthy album experiences

Where this album fits

Themes
Great American Songbook· Gershwin melodies· 1950s jazz sophistication
Career context
By 1959, Ella Fitzgerald was an established star in the jazz world, with this album being her first major foray into interpreting the works of George and Ira Gershwin. This release followed her groundbreaking Verve albums and marked a significant moment in her career as she embraced the Great American Songbook, further solidifying her status as a leading vocalist.
Stylistic neighbors
Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan· Louis Armstrong
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Lady in Satin by Billie Holiday — Shares a similar emotional depth with lush orchestral arrangements and heartfelt interpretations.
Songs for Young Lovers by Frank Sinatra — Combines sophisticated melodies and smooth vocals, echoing the Great American Songbook tradition.
I Put a Spell on You by Nina Simone — Blends jazz sophistication with soulful expression, reflecting deep emotional themes and vocal prowess.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Sam and Delilah 3:18
  • 2 But Not for Me 3:35
  • 3 My One and Only 2:38
  • 4 Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off 4:30
  • 5 Beginner’s Luck 3:10
  • 6 Oh, Lady Be Good 4:02
  • 7 Nice Work If You Can Get It 3:34
  • 8 Things Are Looking Up 3:06
  • 9 Just Another Rhumba 5:37
  • 10 How Long Has This Been Going On? 3:48
  • 11 ’S Wonderful 3:32
  • 12 The Man I Love 3:54
  • 13 That Certain Feeling 3:05
  • 14 By Strauss 2:32
  • 15 Someone to Watch Over Me 4:35
  • 16 The Real American Folk Song 3:46
  • 17 Who Cares? 3:05

Disc 2

  • 1 Looking for a Boy 3:05
  • 2 They All Laughed 3:05
  • 3 My Cousin in Milwaukee 3:11
  • 4 Somebody From Somewhere 3:09
  • 5 A Foggy Day 3:34
  • 6 Clap Yo’ Hands 2:31
  • 7 For You, for Me, for Evermore 3:26
  • 8 Stiff Upper Lip 2:53
  • 9 Boy Wanted 3:36
  • 10 Strike Up the Band 2:37
  • 11 Soon 2:23
  • 12 I’ve Got a Crush on You 3:30
  • 13 Bidin’ My Time 2:42
  • 14 Aren’t You Kind of Glad We Did? 3:31
  • 15 Of Thee I Sing (Baby) 3:10
  • 16 “The Half of It, Dearie” Blues 3:49
  • 17 I Was Doing All Right 3:29
  • 18 He Loves and She Loves 2:46

Disc 3

  • 1 Love Is Sweeping the Country 3:27
  • 2 Treat Me Rough 2:56
  • 3 Love Is Here to Stay 3:54
  • 4 Slap That Bass 3:21
  • 5 Isn’t It a Pity? 3:25
  • 6 Shall We Dance 3:09
  • 7 Love Walked In 3:53
  • 8 You’ve Got What Gets Me 2:15
  • 9 They Can’t Take That Away From Me 3:11
  • 10 Embraceable You 4:52
  • 11 I Can’t Be Bothered Now 2:49
  • 12 Boy! What Love Has Done to Me! 3:48
  • 13 Fascinatin’ Rhythm 3:22
  • 14 Funny Face 3:23
  • 15 Lorelei 3:21
  • 16 Oh, So Nice 3:41
  • 17 Let’s Kiss and Make Up 3:51
  • 18 I Got Rhythm 3:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata