A pianist by trade вЂ“ he played in a unique staccato style вЂ“ Ellington made his name performing at HarlemвЂ™s famous Cotton Club in the late 20s where his orchestra helped to usher in the big band swing movement.

At GranzвЂ™s Verve label вЂ“ a company specifically set up to showcase the singerвЂ™s talents вЂ“ Fitzgerald established herself as the premier jazz singer of her generation, and remains among the greatest jazz musicians ever.Д®ssential Album: Sings The Cole Porter Songbook (1956) Duke Ellington (1899-1974)Д«etween 19, Washington DC-born Duke Ellington commanded one of the finest ensembles in jazz. Though she rose to prominence in the big band swing era, debuting with the Chick Webb Orchestra in 1939, it was her themed songbook albums during the mid-to-late 1950s under the aegis of jazz impresario and producer Norman Granz that sealed her solo fame. Combining a soft, caressing tone with clear diction and a deep emotional sensitivity, she was also a pioneer of scatting, a vocal technique defined by wordless, horn-like improvisation. Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996)Д«orn in Newport News, Virginia, Ella Fitzgerald earned the title вЂњThe First Lady Of SongвЂќ due to her peerless vocal abilities. Check out some of the greatest jazz albums on vinyl here.

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