First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald for the Record

Chronicles the personal life and singing career of the well-known jazz artist and discusses her impact on contemporary music

In this unauthorized biography of legendary singer Ella Fitzgerald, freelance writer Fidelman provides a year-by-year account of her career from her debut at the Apollo Theater in Harlem in 1934 to her 1993 retirement because of failing health. He emphasizes Fitzgerald's complex relationship with Norman Granz, her longtime manager and producer, and her dedication to her art at the expense of her close friendships and health. But like all Fitzgerald biographies, this one suffers from its paucity of personal material, because the singer doesn't grant interviews and her associates are protective of her privacy. Lengthy discussions of her recordings and her stage, radio and TV performances do not make up for this lack as there is little in-depth analysis of her singing style. In addition, Fidelman is addicted to such irritating turns of phrase as "Ella warbled on wax" and "she was scoring a hit almost every time at bat." Appendices listing Fitzgerald's top 10 albums, 100 songs she never recorded, media appearances and a complete discography are included. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Fitzgerald, who came from a broken home and lived on the streets, won the famous Amateur Night at the Apollo contest and went on to an unparalleled career. In this labor of love, Fidelman chronicles the singer's scores of best-selling recordings and countless awards and, in later years, her being presented to heads of state and working as spokesperson in commercials for Memorex. Ella loved to sing, but her personal life was not so happy, marked by two failed marriages, estrangement from her adopted son, and only a few close friends. But, despite this not-so-perfect life, Fidelman's Ella can do no wrong. Fidelman lays into any who dare say ill of "Miss Fitz" while endlessly praising her in giddy, awkward prose that might be more at home in a fan club newsletter. Every music collection should have a biography of this remarkable singer, but Stuart Nicholson's Ella Fitzgerald: A Biography (LJ 5/1/94) remains a clear first choice.
Michael Colby, Univ. of California Lib., Davis
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Like Stuart Nicholson, author of Ella Fitzgerald , Fidelman met resistance when he set out to write an authorized biography. In spite of being rebuffed, he produced this "labor of love and respect" in which he illuminates Fitzgerald's elusive personality in an earnest if unauthorized portrait. Fitzgerald's early years have always been sanitized and for good reason. Never a well-cared-for child, Fitzgerald ended up on the streets after her mother died and was a noticeably ragged figure when she appeared in one of the Apollo Theater's famous talent shows. Fitzgerald had intended to dance but was so nervous she sang instead and brought down the house. A career was launched, and Fitzgerald devoted herself to her music, maintaining a schedule few could survive, and it did take a toll on her health. Fidelman documents every recording and every tour, pausing to wonder how much Fitzgerald's manager Norman Granz was to blame for the singer overworking herself even after she developed multiple health problems. Differences in interpretation and emphasis between Fidelman and Nicholson make both books required reading for jazz fans. Donna Seaman