The best Ella Fitzgerald albums

20 records, ordered by how much they reward a first listen — not by chart position.

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Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book

  1. 1
    Ella Fitzgerald Sings Songs from "Let No Man Write My Epitaph"

    Ella Fitzgerald Sings Songs from "Let No Man Write My Epitaph"

    1960

    A poignant collection of jazz standards infused with Fitzgerald's lush, emotive vocals and deeply expressive phrasing.

  2. 2
    Ella and Basie!

    Ella and Basie!

    1963

    A vibrant collaboration blending Fitzgerald's soaring vocals with Basie's swinging arrangements, creating a timeless jazz experience.

  3. 3
    Ella in Rome: The Birthday Concert

    Ella in Rome: The Birthday Concert

    1988

    A vibrant celebration of jazz that showcases Fitzgerald's unparalleled vocal prowess and emotive storytelling in an intimate concert setting.

  4. 4
    All That Jazz

    All That Jazz

    1989

    A rich tapestry of classic jazz standards woven with Fitzgerald's signature vocal brilliance and emotional depth.

  5. 5
    Twelve Nights in Hollywood

    Twelve Nights in Hollywood

    2009

    Ella Fitzgerald's vibrant vocal mastery intertwines with classic jazz standards, creating an intimate live atmosphere brimming with soulful emotion.

  6. 6
    Ella in Hollywood

    Ella in Hollywood

    1961

    A vibrant blend of swing and jazz, showcasing Ella's unparalleled vocal agility and rich emotional depth.

  7. 7
    Like Someone in Love

    Like Someone in Love

    1957

    A lush tapestry of orchestral arrangements intertwined with Fitzgerald's velvety vocals, evoking a timeless romanticism.

  8. 8
    The Best Is Yet to Come

    The Best Is Yet to Come

    1982

    A soulful blend of jazz standards and heartfelt interpretations, showcasing Fitzgerald's timeless vocal mastery and emotional depth.

  9. 9
    Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!

    Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!

    1961

    Ella Fitzgerald's voice dances effortlessly through lush arrangements, blending jazz standards with emotional depth and swing-infused energy.

  10. 10
    At the Opera House

    At the Opera House

    1958

    A vibrant live performance blending jazz standards with Fitzgerald's unparalleled vocal mastery and emotional depth.

  11. 11
    Lady Time

    Lady Time

    1978

    A soulful embrace of classic jazz standards, where Fitzgerald's voice dances gracefully over rich orchestral arrangements.

  12. 12
    Ella in London

    Ella in London

    Ella Fitzgerald's dynamic vocals weave through a tapestry of jazz standards, infused with warmth and soulful expressiveness.

  13. 13
    Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook

    Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook

    1961

    Ella Fitzgerald's voice weaves through lush orchestration, breathing life into Harold Arlen's timeless melodies with unparalleled emotional depth.

  14. 14
    Ella Fitzgerald Sings Sweet Songs for Swingers

    Ella Fitzgerald Sings Sweet Songs for Swingers

    1959

    A vibrant collection of romantic standards, elegantly rendered with Fitzgerald's sublime vocal prowess and playful swing rhythms.

  15. 15
    Ella and Oscar

    Ella and Oscar

    1976

    A seamless blend of jazz standards, rich vocals, and intricate piano arrangements creates an intimate dialogue between two legends.

  16. 16
    A Classy Pair

    A Classy Pair

    1979

    A timeless blend of jazz standards and soulful interpretations, showcasing Fitzgerald's unparalleled vocal prowess and expressive artistry.

  17. 17
    Rhythm Is My Business

    Rhythm Is My Business

    1962

    A vibrant blend of jazz and swing showcasing Fitzgerald's unparalleled vocal prowess and playful interpretation of classic standards.

  18. 18
    Fine and Mellow

    Fine and Mellow

    1979

    A lush interplay of jazz standards delivered with Fitzgerald's signature warmth and improvisational flair.

  19. 19
    Ella Abraça Jobim – Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Antonio Carlos Jobim Songbook

    Ella Abraça Jobim – Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Antonio Carlos Jobim Songbook

    1981

    A lush blend of bossa nova rhythms and Fitzgerald's rich, velvety vocals create an enchanting homage to Jobim's timeless melodies.

  20. 20
    Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife

    Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife

    1960

    Ella Fitzgerald's vibrant vocals soar over a dynamic blend of jazz standards, creating an electrifying live experience.