What makes Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald notable?

This album is significant for its critical acclaim, highlighting Fitzgerald's mastery of phrasing and emotional delivery. It features beloved tracks like 'Stormy Weather,' which has become synonymous with her legacy, and solidified her status in the pantheon of great American jazz singers. By 1961, Ella Fitzgerald was firmly established as one of jazz's leading vocalists, having already released numerous acclaimed albums. 'Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook' followed her successful collaboration with the Verve label and showcased her ability to interpret American standards with fresh emotional depth.

Who is Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook for?

Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook works well if you're into steady melodic journey throughout, rich vocals for relaxed evenings and timeless classics with lush arrangements.

How many songs are on Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook?

Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook has 13 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook

Ella Fitzgerald · 1961

53 min · 13 tracks · jazz · soul · swing

Ella Fitzgerald's rich vocals glide effortlessly over lush orchestral arrangements, breathing new life into timeless Harold Arlen classics.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady melodic journey throughout
rich vocals for relaxed evenings
timeless classics with lush arrangements
for intimate gatherings

Maybe skip if you want

prefer fast-paced listening experiences
seek experimental or avant-garde sounds

Where this album fits

Themes: stormy weather blues· jazz-era sophistication
Career context: By 1961, Ella Fitzgerald was firmly established as one of jazz's leading vocalists, having already released numerous acclaimed albums. 'Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook' followed her successful collaboration with the Verve label and showcased her ability to interpret American standards with fresh emotional depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan· Louis Armstrong
Sounds like this from elsewhere: Lady in Satin by Billie Holiday — Shares lush orchestral arrangements and emotional depth, focusing on love and loss.

I Put a Spell on You by Nina Simone — Captures the same stormy emotional intensity with rich vocal performances over jazz instrumentation.

Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown by Sarah Vaughan — Features intricate vocal phrasing and sophisticated jazz arrangements that echo Fitzgerald's style.