Ella Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 - June 15, 1996)

Today is the birthday of the Queen of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald. In 1982, the University of Idaho was honored to have her perform at the University’s Jazz Festival. The night of her concert, there was a university basketball game, during her set she scat into one song that the Vandals had won the game. Her appearance at the University is one of pride for those who were fortunate enough to attend the concert and those who have heard about it.

In our collections, we are lucky enough to hold some of Ella Fitzgerald’s belongings. Currently, a turquoise dress and a wig worn by Ella are on display in Los Angeles at the Grammy Museum for their exhibit on Motown.

Sources

Images courtesy of the Leonard Feather Jazz Collection and the Grammy Museum