Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald- Queen of Swing

A multi-media presentation and performance with Nanette Perrotte

The singer that all other singers call the best – Ella Fitzgerald. This is the story of a young woman who against impossible odds achieved fame as a Jazz singer by the age of seventeen. At that young age she found herself at the heart of The Harlem Renaissance and American Jazz.  She would go on to perform around the world for another 58 years.

Nanette Perrotte tells Ella's extraordinary story of traveling from being homeless in Harlem to the Queen of Swing.  Along the way she has great mentors: Chick Webb, Duke Ellington, Marilyn Monroe, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra. Then there is the Battle of the Bands –  the Cutting Contest at the Savoy Ballroom where she wins the battle over Billie Holiday.

All of this is played out in the context of the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Depression, Segregation,  and World War II: the critical years, 1935-1955.

Through singing her signature songs and telling her story, this presentation illuminates the Social History of that time. The Man I Love, It Don't Mean a Thing, It's Only a Paper Moon and Azure among others.

This multi-media presentation allows Perrotte to combine her singing, storytelling and teaching talents to showcase Ella Fitzgerald's masterful work and complex life story.

As an extension to the show, below you will find links and suggested readings that take you further into her work and the history of the times.

"Tonight's event featuring Nanette Perrotte drew more than 80 people to the Hancock Town Library. It was a wonderful program. I even got a little verklempt when everyone in the room sang along to several of Ella's songs. Most knew every nuanced note and lyric. We'll be doing more jazz in the months to come. Watch for an evening with Duke Ellington in the fall..."  Library Director, Hancock New Hampshire.

This program is also available for children age 5 through grade 6 in a shorter format.  See the School Residency Tab of this blog.

To book this performance contact Nanette at: nanetteperrotte@gmail.com

Websites:
Official Ella Fitzgerald Website
New York Times- Ward of the State
Ella & Marilyn Monroe
Nanette's Pinterest board of Ella Fitzgerald images

Books:
Ella Fitzgerald- A Biography of the First Lady of Jazz
When Harlem was in Vogue

Ella- Live showing her incredible improvisation skills to How High the Moon by Morgan Lewis.

Early recording of Ella with Chick Webb at the Savoy Ballroom.

The Harlem Renaissance of the 1930's- the booming music scene a young Ella stepped into.