Tag Archives: The First Lady of Song

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 7

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Blog Day 7

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today’s track celebrates the reason for the season. It is very special to me because it takes me back to one of my fondest childhood memories-standing next to my mother and holding her hand while we sang this together in church. And a singer like The First Lady Of Song makes her version a wonderful memory for anyone.

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald pictured sometime in the 1940’s. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ella Fitzgerald: “O Come All Ye Faithful” (1967, written by Frederick Oakeley and John Francis Wade).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 16

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 16A 2022

A sweet vintage Christmas card image found on Pinterest. (Original source unknown.)

That moment when one of my all time favorite Christmas songs popped up in a new & incredibly charming (not to mention completely hilarious) holiday movie: 2003’s “Elf”. As James Caan was walking down a street in NYC, he saw Will Ferrell’s Buddy The Elf character asleep in a department store window. Too funny. All underscored by The First Lady Of Song, 43 years after she recorded the tune for her 1960 album, “Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas“. That is what we call timeless.

“We’re gliding along with a song
Of a wintery fairyland
Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy-cozy are we“.

Lady Ella herself circa 1950. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Ella Fitzgerald: “Sleigh Ride” (1960, written by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Music Monday: April 25, 2022

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

Music Monday

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today marks the 105th birth anniversary for The First Lady Of Song. Ella Fitzgerald was born April 25, 1917 in Newport News, VA. By 1934 she appeared at The Apollo Theatre for Amateur Night. Two years later she was in the studio to record her first song. And for the rest of history, she will be regarded as one of the greatest female singers of all time. Today’s track is my absolute favorite by her, not to mention my most beloved Gershwin tune.

“Although he may not be the man
Some girls think of as handsome
To my heart he carries the key“.

Ella 1

Lady Ella Fitzgerald circa 1950. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ella Fitzgerald: “Someone To Watch Over Me” (1959, written by George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin).

Stay safe & well.

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2018: Day 4

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Hi, Everybody!!!  Welcome back to the countdown.

rustic holiday sleigh

Found on Pinterest (original source unknown). 

Today’s song was written as an instrumental 70 years ago by American composer Leroy Anderson.  Lyricist Mitchell Parish added the words two years later.  That same year, the Andrew Sisters recorded the song.  I really enjoy their version-the three part harmony, the sound effects and the addition of male background singers at the choruses.  The Ronettes also recorded a great version of this holiday tune in 1963, but my favorite one is by the First Lady of Song.   In her lifetime she recorded over 200 albums, sold over 40 million records, won 13 Grammy Awards and played at Carnegie Hall a total of 26 times.  She was also awarded the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  The lady could sing and swing.   And everything in between.

Ella

Courtesy of the Ella Fitzgerald website.  

Ella Fitzgerald:  “Sleigh Ride“.

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!