Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald was born in Newport News, Va. on April 25, 1917. Growing from difficult years in her childhood during the Great Depression, Ella had her first taste of the stage in 1934 when her name was drawn for Amateur Night at an entertainment venue. Surprising herself, as she was usually shy, she felt fully confident at the mic and was a hit that fateful evening. She soon began entering and winning every talent contest she entered, and was offered an opportunity to join a band led by drummer and bandleader Chick Webb. Her first hit, "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" sold 1 million copies, hit number one and made her famous. When Norman Granz became her manager, her fame grew tremendously. Her career of recording over 200 albums earned her 14 Grammy Awards, including a lifetime achievement award. In 1991 she gave her final concert at New York's renowned Carnegie Hall.

After complications from surgery and diabetes, which worsened her health over time, Ella died on June 15, 1996.