album · November 22, 1996

Bluella: Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Blues

Ella Fitzgerald

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jazzblues

This 1996 compilation draws from previously unreleased recordings from the 1950s, showcasing Fitzgerald's definitive interpretations of blues standards.

• The album was produced by Norman Granz, the founder of the Pablo record label.
• Bluella: Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Blues reached number 7 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.
• The selection of songs includes blues standards such as "St. Louis Blues," "Trouble in Mind," and "Good Morning, Heartache."

Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer, often called the First Lady of Song and the Queen of Jazz. She was known for her pure tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. At the time of this 1996 release, Fitzgerald had been in semi-retirement for several years due to declining health, and this album was compiled posthumously from previously unreleased recordings made in the 1950s.