PRJC Jazz Talk: Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song with Dr. John Hasse

The Potomac River Jazz Club is a nonprofit society whose purpose is to preserve, encourage and promote the playing and appreciation of traditional jazz. On our Web site you’ll find information about trad jazz happenings in the Washington-Baltimore area, about our organization, about our affiliated jazz bands, about jazz history, and about many other items of interest to jazz fans. And be sure to check out what PRJC is doing to encourage young musicians to play traditional jazz with theCapital Focus Youth Jazz Band.Tickets are available here on Eventbrite for our monthly jams, in person monthly concerts, and monthly online Jazz Talks via Zoom.

The Potomac River Jazz Club

"Lady Ella" had a celebrated career spanning more than 50 years and is one of the most influential and beloved jazz vocalists in history.

Ella. Like a select few other musicians—Elvis, Madonna, Bono—you could recognize her by one name only. Ira Gershwin said he never knew how good his songs were until he heard Ella Fitzgerald sing them. She took an innovation by Louis Armstrong—scat singing—into an art equal to that of instrumental improvisers.In this lively talk, Dr. John Edward Hasse, author and Curator Emeritus of American Music at the Smithsonian Institution, provides insights into Fitzgerald’s music, personality, and extraordinary journey from shy orphan to beloved world celebrity. Using film and video clips, rare photographs, and original recordings, Hasse traces the evolution and triumph of one of America’s greatest and most beloved singers.You’ll see rare video footage of Fitzgerald with Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. You’ll hear moving ballads such as Embraceable You and The Man I Love and thrilling performances such as Mack the Knife and How High the Moon. And you’ll learn about her personality, such as the trusting way she welcomed busloads of tourists into her Beverly Hills home and how Marilyn Monroe befriended and supported her.Dr. Hasse shares anecdotes of meeting Ella at the Smithsonian and securing her archives for the Museum. He personally helped select memorabilia for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.Registration is required by 5:00 p.m. the day of the presentation to receive the Zoom link. Although we always offer these talks for FREE, we appreciate donation tickets to help offset the cost of the program. Thanks in advanve for your support!

PRJC Jazz Talk: Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song with Dr. John Hasse

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PRJC Jazz Talk: Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song with Dr. John Hasse

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