ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS from EAGLE ROCK FILMS (2020). It is streaming online until July 31, 2020. Ella passed away back in 1996 and had spent most of her life singing in front of live audiences. This documentary shows us the dark-side of her journey filled with homelessness, starvation and struggle at Harlem, New York. She also faced "hardcore" racism as a black woman and an entertainer. She rose above it all with her singing voice that was a wonderful gift. She dreamed of becoming a famous dancer. That all changed when she sung-a-song on amateur night at the famed "Apollo" Theater. She was only 16-years-old who could never really look back after breathing that first note.
I'm a big fan of entertainment history that shows us the very, very beginning.... Silent Films (1900-1927). Sound Films (1927-2020). Vaudeville (Broadway) Theater (1850-1930). Jazz (1900-2020). Country Music (1900-2020).
In my opinion, Ella Fitzgerald was at her best singing the American Songbooks (Cole Porter / George & Ira Gershwin / Harold Arlen etc..,). She became an international star during the 1950's. I have too many favorites, but the one that resonates with me is "But Not For Me" by George & Ira Gershwin.
It would take several documentaries to tell the story of Ella's whole life in music.
Click poster below for "Ella Fitzgerald: Just One Of Those Things" which is streaming online until July 31, 2020.
Below is THE DINAH SHORE SHOW featuring Ella Fitzgerald singing impromptu with Dinah.
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