Died On This Date (June 15, 1996) Ella Fitzgerald / Jazz Legend

Ella Fitzgerald
April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996

With a career that spanned nearly 60 years and achievements that included thirteen Grammys, there is no doubt that Ella Fitzgerald was one of the most important voices in popular music.  After making her singing debut at the Harlem Opera House at the age of 17, Fitzgerald quickly earned a spot at one of the Apollo Theater’s famed amateur nights and handily took first prize.  Within a year, she was singing in front of the Chick Webb Orchestra, staying with him until he died in 1939.  She subsequently took over the band with which she had recorded upwards of 150 songs.  In 1942, Fitzgerald signed a solo deal with the famed Decca label where she stayed until she moved over to the legendary Verve Records.  By now she was one of the most popular vocalists in the world.  Fitzgerald continued to record and perform throughout the ’80s, but due to poor health, made her last record in 1991 and final performance in 1993.  Ella Fitzgerald suffered from diabetes in her final years, and succumbed to it on June 15, 1996.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Something to Live For - Ella Fitzgerald

Died On This Date (May 16, 2010) Hank Jones / Acclaimed Jazz Pianist

Hank Jones
July 31, 1918 –  May 16, 2010

Hank Jones was a multi-Grammy nominated jazz pianist who came from a musical family that included brothers, Thad Jones and Elvin Jones.  An early adapter to the instrument, Jones began playing around his neighborhood in his early teens, and before he knew it, he was playing with Ella Fitzgerald.   That was from 1948 to 1953, after which he played with the likes of Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman and Cannonball Adderley, to name just of few of the greats with whom he collaborated.  Throughout the ’60s and early ’70s, Jones played in the CBS house band which afforded him the opportunity to play on the Ed Sullivan Show over the years.  One highlight was backing Frank Sinatra.  Jones released nearly 20 albums throughout his career, and played as a sideman on at least that many as well.  He stayed active nearly up to the time of his passing.  Hank Jones was 91 when he died on May 16, 2010.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Died On This Date (April 3, 1990) Sarah Vaughan / Jazz Icon

Sarah Vaughan
March 27, 1924 – April 3, 1990

Known as “The Divine One,” Sarah Vaughan was an American jazz singer who won three Grammys and was awarded the NEA Jazz Masters Award by the National Endowment for the Arts. Equaled perhaps by only Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, Vaughan left behind a body of work that may never be matched. Vaughan’s career began back in early ‘4os when she won an amateur contest at Harlem’s Apollo Theater after which she was invited back in the Spring of 1943 to open some shows for Ella Fitzgerald. Based on those performances, she was introduced to Earl Hines who then replaced his singer with Vaughan. And so launched a career that would extend through the late ’80s when she was diagnosed with lung cancer, Miss Vaughan passed away in her home on April 3, 1990. It has been reported that she died while watching a movie that featured her daughter.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Sarah Vaughan

Died On This Date (April 2, 1987) Buddy Rich / Acclaimed Jazz Drummer

Buddy Rich
September 30, 1917 – April 2, 1987

Buddy Rich was an American jazz drummer who was considered by many to be the greatest drummer, period. His power and speed were unmatched. He was the backbone behind classic recordings by a who’s who of popular music, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Tommy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong and Oscar Peterson.  His television appearances were frequent and ranged from sitting in with Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show band to having a “drum off” with The Muppet Show’s “Animal.” Buddy Rich passed away from a heart failure while being treated for a malignant brain tumor. He was 69.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Mercy, Mercy (Live) - Buddy Rich Big Band

Died On This Date (March 28, 2010) Herb Ellis / Jazz Guitar Great

Mitchell “Herb” Ellis
August 4, 1921 – March 28, 2010

herb-ellisHerb Ellis was a jazz guitar virtuoso who, over the course of a career that spanned some 50 years played with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Jimmy Dorsey, Dizzy Gillespie, and Buddy Rich.  His most celebrated collaborations however, were with Oscar Peterson, in whose trio he performed from 1953 to 1958.  Herb Ellis died of Alzheimer’s disease on March 28, 2010.  He was 88.

What You Should Own

Click to buy from amazon

Ellis In Wonderland - Herb Ellis