A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald May 12, 2010

On Wednesday May 12, 2010 at 7:00 PM John R. Tumpak will present a lecture titled A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is recognized as "America's First Lady of Song." She is arguably the greatest female jazz vocalist. Her ability to scat, improvise lyrics, and swing a song is second to none. Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, and Frank Sinatra are among the many singers who consider her to be America's foremost vocalist. John R. Tumpak is a jazz historian, L.A. Jazz Scene journalist, and author of the book When Swing Was the Thing: Personality Profiles of the Big Band Era.

Tumpak will feature selections from her fifty three hit records and discuss the little know personal life of the intently private music icon. He will also show movie and TV clips of her performances. The history of all phases of Fitzgerald's storied near sixty year career that started with her breakthrough to fame singing with the Chick Webb Orchestra at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem through her seminal "Great American Songbook" albums and Norman Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic concert tours will be discussed. There will be ample time for questions.

This lecture will be in the Brand Library recital hall. Admission is free.