What is the best Ella Fitzgerald album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book" (1957). It's the most representative of what makes Ella Fitzgerald worth hearing.

What are the best Ella Fitzgerald albums?

The essential Ella Fitzgerald albums include "Ella in Hamburg", "Ella at Juan-Les-Pins", "Pure Ella", "Ella Sings Gershwin" (1950) and "Ella – Songs in a Mellow Mood" (1954).

How many albums does Ella Fitzgerald have?

Ella Fitzgerald has 161 releases in their discography, including 84 albums and 10 EPs.

Photo: Carl Van Vechten · Public domain

Ella Fitzgerald

Q: Who is Ella Fitzgerald for?

If you're into jazz and soul, Ella Fitzgerald is worth your time. Fitzgerald’s music dances through space with buoyant phrasing and rhythmic playfulness, crafting a rich tapestry of sound that pulses with life.

Fitzgerald’s music dances through space with buoyant phrasing and rhythmic playfulness, crafting a rich tapestry of sound that pulses with life.

jazz · soul · swing · traditional pop

United States

Read about Ella Fitzgerald on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book album by Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book (1957)

This album features key works by Ellington, showcasing Fitzgerald's vocal prowess and ability to interpret complex melodies in a cohesive manner.

The song

“Summertime”

An iconic track that highlights Fitzgerald's rich voice and emotional delivery, making it a compelling introduction to her style and artistry.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"This Can’t Be Love" — from At Newport (1958)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Rockin’ in Rhythm" — from Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book (1957)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"A Foggy Day" — from Nice Work If You Can Get It – Ella Fitzgerald & Andre Previn Do Gershwin (1983)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Oh Didn’t He Ramble" — from Songs from Pete Kelly's Blues (1955)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"I’m Beginning to See the Light" — from Sophisticated Lady (2001)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"Someone to Watch Over Me" — from Ella Sings Gershwin (1950)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald matters because she redefined what it means to be a vocalist in jazz, elevating the role of improvisation and emotional expression.

Her ability to transcend mere technical prowess allowed listeners to experience music in a deeply personal way, making her a cultural touchstone who inspired generations of artists across genres.

Her ability to transcend mere technical prowess allowed listeners to experience music in a deeply personal way, making her a cultural touchstone who inspired generations of artists across genres. Fitzgerald's influence is palpable in how contemporary vocalists approach phrasing and interpretation, often drawing from her fearless exploration of melody and rhythm. Fitzgerald's innovative approach to singing involved her remarkable scat technique and mastery of phrasing, enabling her to weave intricate vocal lines that could mimic instruments. She approached each performance with an improvisational spirit that transformed standard songs into new narratives, compelling audiences to engage with music on an emotional level. By blending heartfelt delivery with playful experimentation, she brought a sense of spontaneity to the stage that invited listeners into her world. Lyrically, Fitzgerald often navigated themes of love, loss, and joy, reflecting the complexities of human experience. Her storytelling approach combined sincerity with a touch of whimsy, allowing listeners to find both comfort and excitement within her performances. This duality in her voice invites audiences to connect emotionally while also appreciating the artistry behind her delivery.

84 studio albums· 161 total releases· 8 decades· United States