Combine four of the top drummers in jazz: Louis Bellson, Philly Jo Jones, Shelly Manne, and Irv Cottler –– with the flying feet of the multi-talented Caterina Valente –– and you have the formula for a truly unique performance on 1964’s popular Hollywood Palace television show (top). Then (bottom), Caterina and Ella Fitzgerald are joined by (believe it or not) Perry Como, in a spirited scat version of Al Jolson’s 1920’s swinging hit Avalon. Vintage television!
Sometimes referred to as “The First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. She first met Duke Ellington in the mid-1930’s, while she was performing at Harlem’s legendary Savoy Ballroom with Chick Webb and His Orchestra. The two would remain friends and collaborators for the rest of their lives. Here, Duke and Ella team up to perform Ellington’s C-Jam Blues (also known as “Duke’s Place”) during their 1966 European tour.
Frank Sinatra said Ella Fitzgerald was the best singer (male or female) he ever heard and the only one who made him nervous to sing with, because he had to be up to her standards. Two legends and only one word to describe them: Respect! Frank even lets Ella dominate their performances to showcase her greatness. He was always the gentleman. Talent like Frank and Ella are extinct now and nobody comes close to them … not then, not now.
It was 1967 and both singers were in their prime on That’s Why The Lady Is A Tramp! At one point they respectfully bow to each other, since hugging was not yet a public possibility … still they managed it, lyrically.
Frank may have met his match on Moonlight In Vermont and he knew it. You can tell by the way he looks at her while they’re singing. They sound so perfect, I wish they had made an album together.
Sinatra said Ella Fitzgerald was the best singer he ever heard and the only one who made him nervous to sing with, because he had to be up to her standards. “The best way to start any musical evening is with this girl. It don’t get better than this,” Frank said about performing with Ella. Beyond that, there isn’t much to say about two of the greatest singers of all time. You just sit back and listen!
Ella Fitzgerald in a scene from the 1955 movie “Pete Kelly’s Blues”, starring Jack Webb, Lee Marvin and a host of young stars. Like Ella, Peggy Lee also has a cameo role and a couple of great songs in the film.
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