How Ella Fitzgerald Turned Forgotten Lyrics Into One Of Her Best Performances Ever

Most people who don't know jazz can probably recognize the name of one of the genre's best singers: Ella Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is one of the eight women at the center of this season of NPR Music's Turning the Tables, and she's arguably one of the most important vocalists not just in jazz but in the entire history of American music. With an exceptional vocal style, supreme technical capabilities and a spirited energy, she was "The First Lady of Song."

By 1960, Fitzgerald had become a global sensation. That February she gave an unforgettable performance in West Berlin for an audience of thousands. On the set list was "Mack The Knife," a huge hit first made popular by Bobby Darin and Louis Armstrong. Fitzgerald sang the song flawlessly until about halfway through, when she forgot the lyrics. But she didn't stumble — instead, she playfully free-styled her way to the end with nonsense syllables and improvised words — the singular jazz style called scatting. This unforgettable and Grammy Award-winning performance demonstrated her masterful grace under pressure.

Later in the set, Fitzgerald showed off her scat skills again in her interpretation of "How High The Moon." Considered to be one of the best scat solos ever recorded, it demonstrates her sharp vocal control, perfect intonation and rhythmic acumen. Besides its musical excellence, the performance also revealed her ironic sense of humor and gift for "quoting," or referencing other songs while improvising. Jazz critic Will Friedwald says Fitzgerald was the all-time master of quoting. He remembers he once "went through the song bar by bar and pulled out 50 songs that she quoted in, like, five minutes. Just incredible the way her mind works!"

While her musicianship was legendary, what may be most important is the legacy she's left for the vocalists who followed. Before Fitzgerald, singers weren't considered musicians the same way instrumentalists were; at that time, "the only requirement for a vocalist was to sing the lyrics," says singer Charenee Wade. But Fitzgerald proved that singers were capable of the same level of artistry as any other member of the band. Wade continues, "I'm just thankful that she did that for us. She created a pathway for vocalists to be a part of what I consider to be all the fun."

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[Sajirah]

Only Ella could win 2 Grammys by forgetting the lyrics to a song.

[evanhosley]

It’s not about how much you mess up, it’s how you handle it when you do.

[freeheeler]

There are performers and there are songs that transcend everything. Ella is a singer for all ages and all cultures. If and when we humans ever set off for other stars, you can be sure that their digital library will include Ella Fitzgerald.

[marieblue]

The First Lady of Song was one of the most iconic voices in jazz history. She had some outstanding pipes, and could also remain utterly cool under pressure, even if she forgot her lyrics.

Case in point…

The Queen of Jazz was in the middle of an incredible performance (she was recording her live album “Ella in Berlin”) when she started crooning her cover of “Mack the Knife.” She got halfway through the tune with no issues… until she forgot the rest of the text❗️ Ever the entertainer, she IMPROVISED by scatting her way to the end, giving the piece a unique Fitzgerald jazz spin. ONLY A NATURAL COULD PULL THAT OFF‼️

She was granted the Grammy Awards for Best Female Vocal Performance - Single & Best Vocal Performance, Female (Album) in 1961❕ 💙🔪💚

Always loved, never forgotten, forever missed will you remain, WONDERFUL ELLA (1917 - 1996)… 🌹

[preedestined]

Only our Queen could forget the words and still win 2 Grammy's!

[arbara]

Genius!!! On 1975 at the Hannover Duets, she sang with Joe Pass and she made a mistake twice at the voice's entrance in the song "Avalon", interrupting the guitar intro, so the second time she confused sang "I'm 😂.

[UncleDuTheWatchman]

That Mack The Knife CD is My absolute favorite Ella project and that says a LOT because I have almost ALL her projects!!!

[nanaberry]

Her Berlin album is one of my favorites.

[missveggievixen]

I absolutely LOVE 💘 all the love in the comments, for this fabulous artist! She is a gem, amongst many others who sparkle bright in her era! ❣ to all the gems an ❤ to everyone here!

[angelcastagnola]

Fantastic video, thanks for sharing 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[madmax]

This is the kind of research that enriches my life. Thank you!



Also earworm much?
Mind taking it up a notch then 🤷🏾‍♂️

[josevalencia]

Listening Ella makes me feel better, definitely

[grahamharrity]

ELLA, A GREAT ARTIST, YOU NEVER HEAR MUCH OF HER ANYMORE, IF SHE WAS STILL ALIVE, IN TODAY'S MARKET SHE WOULD STILL BE THE TOPS

[jpbowie]

A legend in her own time -- a life well lived -- a joy for us all.

[milesfarrimond]

What a classy lady, and an immensely gifted artist Ella was ! I really appreciate this well produced video...as entertaining as it is informative !...

[mamamurray]

I was listening to this in the car today and thinking about how awesome Ella was. Apparently my phone was listening too and told YouTube to suggest this video.

[juliettedemaso]

God in heaven I love her so much. My teenagers have her all throughout their playlists too. ❤️

[cenispickdock]

ooooh louis miller ooooh something about cash
bruh amazing

[katherinemonday]

Loved this! Super informative and fun treatment of visuals :—)

[AdaughterofEloheim]

Loveeee this! Absolutely wonderful! So much beautiful info on a performer that changed history.