Becoming Ella Fitzgerald: The Jazz Singer Who Transformed American Song By Judith Tick

Ella Fitzgerald's unmatched voice and innovative spirit come to life in Judith Tick's landmark biography, "Becoming Ella Fitzgerald." Going beyond the confines of traditional jazz narratives, Tick illuminates the singer's extraordinary journey from a challenging childhood in Yonkers to becoming a transformational artist with an indomitable spirit.

Unraveling mysteries surrounding Fitzgerald's early years, the biography delves into her difficult upbringing, the tragic loss of her mother, and a stint in a reformatory school where she dreamed of being a dancer. The narrative sheds light on her experiences with racial discrimination and struggles against societal expectations for Black women.

Tick's meticulous research and family interviews provide fresh perspectives, challenging preconceived notions. The biography explores Fitzgerald's career with new depth, rejecting the segregation of vocal jazz from the genre's mainstream. It unveils her role as a pioneer of modernist vocal jazz, demonstrating how her spontaneity and improvisational skills on stage matched the significance of her recorded work.

From her debut at the Apollo Theatre to breaking through with Chick Webb's big band at the Savoy Ballroom, the book vividly captures the jazz world's evolution. Fitzgerald's contributions to the bebop movement, her role in Jazz at the Philharmonic, and her groundbreaking exploration of the Great American Songbook showcase her influence in shaping American musical culture.

"Becoming Ella Fitzgerald" dismantles stereotypes, portraying a multifaceted artist who defied expectations as a female bandleader. Despite occasional criticism, Fitzgerald's fusion of Black vocal aesthetics and jazz improvisation revolutionized popular music. The biography concludes with her global impact in the 1970s and 1980s, cementing her legacy as an American icon and musical trailblazer. 📚❤️