Is Ella Sings Gershwin a good place to start with Ella Fitzgerald?

Yes, Ella Sings Gershwin is recommended as a starting point for new Ella Fitzgerald listeners. A lush collection of orchestral jazz that showcases Fitzgerald's impeccable vocal range and phrasing through Gershwin's timeless melodies. Ella Fitzgerald was already a celebrated jazz vocalist by 1950, having gained prominence with her earlier works and collaborations. 'Ella Sings Gershwin' marked her first full album dedicated to a single composer, a significant move showing her artistic depth and versatility in interpreting standard repertoire.

Who is Ella Sings Gershwin for?

Ella Sings Gershwin works well if you're into short, intimate listening sessions, smooth, soothing background ambiance and romantic evening vibes.

How many songs are on Ella Sings Gershwin?

Ella Sings Gershwin has 8 tracks, running approximately 25 minutes.

Ella Sings Gershwin

Ella Fitzgerald · 1950

25 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A lush collection of orchestral jazz that showcases Fitzgerald's impeccable vocal range and phrasing through Gershwin's timeless melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Someone to Watch Over Me Start here — This track highlights Fitzgerald's ability to convey deep emotion through nuanced phrasing, making it a standout example of her interpretive skill.
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I’ve Got a Crush on You — The playful yet tender delivery showcases Fitzgerald's unique blend of swing and sentimentality, capturing the essence of Gershwin's romantic lyricism.
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How Long Has This Been Going On? — Fitzgerald's soaring vocals shine here, accompanied by lush orchestration that complements the song's themes of longing and desire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

77 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

Fitzgerald's vocal mastery and orchestral arrangements create a standout interpretation of Gershwin's work.

What we noticed

Each track features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Fitzgerald's vocals, creating a rich sonic backdrop.
Fitzgerald employs a wide vocal range, often using intricate phrasing and subtle dynamics to interpret Gershwin's melodies.
The album maintains a consistent tempo across most tracks, with only slight variations that enhance the emotional delivery of the songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short, intimate listening sessions
smooth, soothing background ambiance
romantic evening vibes
nostalgic, reflective mood

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Fitzgerald's reputation as a premier interpreter of standards.
Themes: jazz sophistication· romantic longing
Career context: Ella Fitzgerald was already a celebrated jazz vocalist by 1950, having gained prominence with her earlier works and collaborations. 'Ella Sings Gershwin' marked her first full album dedicated to a single composer, a significant move showing her artistic depth and versatility in interpreting standard repertoire.
Stylistic neighbors: Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan· Louis Armstrong