Today is the birthday of the great jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald

[redqueen]

She was known as the "First Lady of Song," and her remarkable talent, including a vocal range of three octaves, led to a 59-year recording career. During that time she earned a vast collection of awards and recognitions, including 13 Grammy Awards.

Born in 1917, her early life was filled with hardship and loss. It was a prize-winning turn at one of the Apollo Theater’s famed Amateur Nights in New York City that eventually turned the tables. Before long she had gone from living on the streets of Harlem to being part of a band, and regularly performing for legions of thrilled fans.

In the words of the legendary Queen of Jazz, reflecting on her own journey and offering encouragement to others: “Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.”

So nice to see she got a Google doodle

[Bluenorthwest]

1. As great as a singer can be.

I just adore her work. She was perfection.

[redqueen]

2. I wholeheartedly agree.

Truly a beautiful voice.

I love the look on the guy's face in the picture used for this video.

[ismnotwasm]

3. God that just makes me what to listen to her for hours

That voice, the Jazz horns--and you're right that look is priceless.