While most of the world is still buzzing about last night’s star-studded Grammy Awards, we want to acknowledge the talented songstress who blazed a trail for all the women who took home awards yesterday. Ella Fitzgerald was the first woman to ever win multiple Grammys at the inaugural Grammy Awards in 1958. She snagged wins for Best Jazz Performance, Individual and Best Vocal Performance, Female. Rightfully given the monikers, First Lady of Song, Queen of Jazz and First Lady of Swing, Fitzgerald is celebrated for her pure tone, impeccable diction and scat singing style.
Born on April 25, 1917, her pitch perfect voice broke barriers during a time when the music industry too often attempted to silence Black talent. The road was even rockier for Black women. Fitzgerald holds the honor of many other firsts as well. The legendary singer has the distinction of being the female artist with the most recordings (9) in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Her first recording to be inducted was A-Tisket, A-Tasket (with Chick Webb and his Orchestra) in 1986. She is also first woman to receive what is now known as The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1967 for her outstanding contributions to the recording community.
Fitzgerald didn’t just survive those times; she crafted a career and a legacy that outlived her. She often used her celebrity to spread awareness about pay inequity and unequal conditions as a performer in segregated venues. She received the National Medal of Arts in 1987 and America’s highest non-military honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Ella Fitzgerald’s entire life is proof that there are multiple ways to use our voices. Ms. Fitzgerald, we thank you.