Trivia

Was close friends with Marilyn Monroe, who helped Fitzgerald in her musical career by arranging for her to sing in upscale nightclubs that were segregated at the time of their friendship.

She had an adopted son, Raymond Matthew Brown Jr. (born October 13, 1949). He was in fact her nephew, the child of her younger half-sister Frances Da Silva.

Was the first artist to chart in the United Kingdom with a cover of the John Lennon / Paul McCartney song, "Can't Buy Me Love" (1964). George Martin, The Beatles' long-time producer, said that this was one of his favorites of all the songs he produced.

She was a victim in an early attempt to integrate the classical music audience in Houston, Texas. In 1955, she, Dizzy Gillespie and Illinois Jacquet were arrested by the vice squad before a Jazz at the Philharmonic concert at Music Hall, charged with gambling backstage. They were released in time to perform, on a payment of a $50 bail. Also arrested, promoter Norman Granz indicated that the raid was a set-up in response to his insistence that the concert not be segregated.

Was good friends with Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett and Julie London.

Her first marriage on December 26, 1941 - to Harlem hustler Ben Kornegay - was quickly annulled at the advice of her agent and concerned friends. In later years, she denied having been married to Kornegay.

Had a heart attack, followed by a five way bypass operation. (August 1986)

Inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame (1979).

She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6738 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on February 8, 1960.

Ranked #13 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll.

Pictured on a 39¢ USA commemorative postage stamp in the Black Heritage series, issued 10 January 2007.

Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame (1979) (charter member).

Was an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Was friends with fellow jazz artist Billie Holiday.

Inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame (1995).

Ella joined ASCAP in 1940, and her chief musical collaborators included Chick Webb, Lupin Fien and Josef Myrow. Her popular-song compositions include "A-Tisket, A-Tasket", "You Showed Me the Way", "Spinnin' the Web", "I Found My Yellow Basket", "Chew, Chew, Chew", "Please Tell the Truth", "Oh! But I Do" and "Just One of Those Nights".

Biography in: "American National Biography". Supplement 1, pp. 208-210. New York: Oxford University Press (2002).

She was awarded the American National Medal of the Arts by the National Endowment of the Arts in Washington, D.C. (1987).

In January 2022, her recording of "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" was used in several television advertisements for Olive Garden Restaurants.

Following her death, she was interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California - Sunset Memorial Garden Mausoleum, Sanctuary of the Bells.

After marrying Ray Brown, in 1949 they bought a house at 179-07 Murdock Avenue in Addisleigh Park, Queens, New York.

She is referenced in "The Simpsons" episode, "The Sound of Bleeding Gums" (Season 33, Episode 34).

Her recordings of "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall" and "Stone Cold Dead in the Market" were featured in the video game L.A. Noire (2011).

In January 2022, her recording of "It's a Lovely Day Today" was used in several television advertisements for Tropicana Orange Juice.

Parents are : William Ashland Fitzgerald, and Temperance 'Tempie' Henry.

Aunt of Janice Gilmore, Karen Gilmore, Elosie Young, and Michael Williams.

Grandmother of Alice Brown, and Haylee.