Ella Fitzgerald Famous Quotes

Ella Fitzgerald famous quotes are sure to jazz up your day and inspire your soul. Known as the “First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald’s voice wasn’t just a gift to our ears. Her words were also a gift to our souls. Her inspirational quotes & sayings have touched hearts for generations, becoming amazing words we can all learn from.

If you don’t know her yet, this is your sign to look her up and listen to her sing. Who knows? Your mama might’ve sung one of her tunes to you as a baby, and now you can pass that legacy on to your little ones.

These sayings by Ella Fitzgerald are a unique way to introduce our children to this jazz legend’s profound wisdom.

Table of Contents

The Queen of Jazz: A Voice That Echoes Through Time

Ella Fitzgerald was a force of nature on top of being a singer. Born in 1917, she overcame a tough childhood to become one of the most influential jazz artists ever. With a nearly six-decade career, Ella’s voice could make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. Her sung and spoken words still inspire people from all walks of life.

Let’s take a stroll through some of Ella Fitzgerald famous quotes, which will have you feeling as smooth as her voice.

Ella Fitzgerald Famous Quotes on Music

Ella breathed music. Her thoughts on the power of song will have you reaching for that old guitar. Let’s dive into the melody of her mind!

Music is the universal language… it brings people closer together.
-Ella Fitzgerald

Have you ever been to a concert where everyone’s singing along, regardless of where they’re from or what language they speak? That’s the power of music right there. It’s like a secret handshake everyone knows, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Music is all about connection. It’s a bridge between hearts and souls. When words fail, a melody can speak volumes. It’s the language of emotions, and we’re all fluent in it, even if we don’t realize it.

This is compelling because it comes from Ella. As a jazz singer, she performed worldwide, bringing people together with her incredible voice. She saw firsthand how music could transcend cultural and language barriers.

So, try turning on some tunes next time you feel disconnected or alone. Whether it’s Ella’s smooth jazz, your favorite country song, or that pop hit you can’t get out of your head, remember that music can bring us closer together. It is the universal connector we all need in this big, sometimes lonely world.

The only thing better than singing is more singing.
-Ella Fitzgerald

This one says, “If you love something, do it more!” It permits us to indulge in what makes us happy.

Ella’s talking about singing here, but this applies to anything you’re passionate about. It might not be singing for you, but it could be painting, cooking, or playing with your kids.

There’s something beautiful about this quote’s simplicity. Ella is not talking about fame or fortune or even being the best. She’s just talking about the pure joy of doing what you love. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the act itself is the reward.

This is also an excellent pick-me-up for feeling down or stuck. It’s like Ella’s saying, “If you’re not sure what to do, just do more of what you love!” It’s a simple recipe for happiness that we could all use a reminder of now and then.

Always remember that the only thing better than doing what you love is doing more of it!

Ella’s Thoughts on Passion and Performance

Ever wonder what happens in a star’s mind before they hit the stage? Ella pulls back the curtain. You might see yourself in her words!

I’m very shy, and I shy away from people. But the moment I hit the stage, it’s a different feeling I get nerve from somewhere; maybe it’s because it’s something I love to do.
-Ella Fitzgerald

This world-famous jazz singer admits she’s shy and sometimes wants to hide from people. This tells us that our idols are human, too, with their insecurities and fears.

But Ella also describes the transformation when we step into our element. We may be shy at first, but when we do what we love, we become fearless.

This is especially true for anyone who’s ever felt held back by shyness or self-doubt. Ella is showing us that passion can be a powerful antidote to fear. You become a different person when you’re doing something you genuinely love.

Maybe you’re shy at parties, but if you are in charge of planning one, you’re suddenly a social butterfly. Or perhaps you’re quiet in meetings, but when you’re presenting on a passionate topic, you light up the room. That’s what Ella’s talking about.

Go find the thing you love that makes you feel alive, and let it give you courage. Even Ella Fitzgerald, the First Lady of Song, got nervous. But she didn’t let that stop her from sharing her gift with the world. And aren’t we all better off because of it?

Everybody wants to know about my style and how it came about. It’s no big secret. It’s the way I feel.
-Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald spills the beans on her iconic style, and it’s refreshingly straightforward. “The way I feel” – that’s her secret weapon. No fancy tricks, no complicated methods. Just pure, unfiltered emotion pouring through her voice. When Ella takes the mic, more than just hitting notes, she’s opening a direct line to her soul.

Whatever we do, the real magic happens when we tap into our deepest feelings. Forget about perfection or rigid rules. The key is to dive headfirst into your emotions and let them color everything you do.

Whether you’re belting out a tune or pursuing any creative endeavor, channeling those raw feelings turns a good performance into an unforgettable experience. When you put your whole heart on display, people don’t just hear you. They feel you right down to their bones.

Ella Fitzgerald Famous Sayings on Love and Life

Ella didn’t just sing about love – she lived it. Her take on life’s ups and downs will have you nodding along.

I guess what everyone wants more than anything else is to be loved. And to know that you loved me for my singing is too much for me.
-Ella Fitzgerald

No matter who we are or what we do, we all just want to be loved. Underneath all our differences, we’re all human, searching for that same connection.

But Ella’s not just talking about any old love but about the kind that sees you for who you truly are.

You can feel the raw emotion when Ella says it’s “too much” for her. She’s floored by the idea that people adore her for the very thing she pours her heart into.

That’s how powerful it feels when someone appreciates our authentic selves. We’re not talking about surface-level stuff here. This is about being loved for the magic you bring to the world – your passions, your talents, the essence of you.

Ella’s insight taps into something we all crave: a love that celebrates what makes us uniquely us. Now, that’s the kind of love worth singing about!

I’ve had some wonderful love affairs and some that didn’t work out. I don’t want to dwell on that and I don’t want to put people down, but I think all the fabulous places I’ve been, the wonderful things that have happened for me, the great people I’ve met – that ought to make a story.
-Ella Fitzgerald

Ella had her fair share of romances, and not all worked out. But you know what? She has not let that bring her down. Ella focused on all the amazing experiences she’s had instead.

Think about it. She’s traveled to incredible places, met fascinating people, and had beautiful moments. That’s what she wants to remember and talk about.

Ella is not interested in badmouthing anyone or dwelling on the negative. She believes all these positive experiences are worth sharing and celebrating.

It’s a pretty cool way to look at life. Even when things don’t go perfectly, there’s still so much good to appreciate and share with others.

Ella Fitzgerald Famous Quotes on Perseverance

Life throws curveballs, but Ella knew how to knock ’em out of the park. Her words on perseverance will light a fire under you.

Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.
-Ella Fitzgerald

This Ella Fitzgerald quote is a powerful reminder to stay true to your goals. She encourages us not to give up on what we want to do. This applies to any dream or ambition we have in life.

Ella suggests that persistence is vital, especially when pursuing something meaningful to us. If we keep trying, we’re more likely to succeed.

Ella also points out that love and inspiration are crucial ingredients for success. We’re on the right path when we’re passionate about our goals and feel inspired.

This doesn’t mean everything will be easy, but it does suggest we’re heading in a good direction. Ella reminds us that combining determination with genuine enthusiasm can lead to great things.

It isn’t where you came from, it’s where you’re going that counts.
-Ella Fitzgerald

Our past doesn’t define our future. These words allow us to dream big, no matter where we started.

Ella came from humble beginnings but didn’t let that stop her from becoming the Queen of Jazz. She’s telling us that our backstory is just that – a story. What matters is the chapters we’re writing right now.

This is perfect for those days when you’re feeling stuck or thinking you’re not good enough because of where you came from. Maybe you grew up in a small town and dream of making it big in the city. Or, possibly, you’re the first in your family to go to college. Ella’s saying, “Go for it!”

It’s easy to get caught up in our past or let our circumstances hold us back. But we just got to keep our eyes on the prize. Your destination is what counts, not your starting point.

Your past is part of your story but not the whole book. You’re the author of your life, and you get to decide where the story goes from here.

Ella’s Wisdom on Growth and Innovation

Think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Ella begs to differ. Her approach to growth will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone!

A lot of singers think all they have to do is exercise their tonsils to get ahead. They refuse to look for new ideas and new outlets, so they fall by the wayside… I’m going to try to find out the new ideas before the others do.
-Ella Fitzgerald

There are some truth bombs here about the importance of innovation and staying ahead of the curve.

It’s also specifically for those who think talent alone is enough. Having a great voice (or any natural talent) is a blessing, but Ella’s saying it’s not the whole enchilada.

She’s not content with just being good. She wants to be ahead of the game.

This mindset isn’t just for singers. It applies to pretty much everything in life. Whatever your profession, there’s always room for new ideas and approaches.

In today’s fast-paced world, you’re falling behind if you’re not moving forward. Ella knew this back in her day, and it’s even more true now. You have to be curious, stay open to new possibilities, and not get too comfortable with what you already know.

I stole everything I ever heard, but mostly I stole from the horns.
-Ella Fitzgerald

Picture Ella Fitzgerald, jazz royalty, with ears open to the world around her. She soaked up sounds like a sponge, especially those brassy horn melodies. But Ella didn’t stop there. She took those borrowed notes and spun them into pure vocal magic.

And before you even think about it, let me stop you. This wasn’t copying. It was reinvention at its finest. Ella showed us that true artistry often springs from various inspirations. She’d listen intently to horn players, snag their best licks, and then work her vocal wizardry to recreate those sounds.

We can all take a leaf from her book even though we’re not musicians. Got a creative block? Look around. Borrow ideas from others in your field, but always add your special sauce.

Ella didn’t just parrot horn players. She used their riffs as a launchpad to create her legendary scat singing style. She wasn’t afraid to take risks, try new things, and shake things up. Her evolution from swing to bebop proves embracing change can lead to mind-blowing innovations.

What Ella’s Words Mean Today

Ella Fitzgerald famous quotes are a window into her soul, showing us the heart behind that incredible voice. From her thoughts on music to her views on life and love, Ella’s words still ring true today.

What stands out most is Ella’s honesty. She wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable, sharing her fears and dreams. Her wisdom came from real-life experiences, making it all the more relatable.

So, what can we learn from Ella? Follow your passion, even when it scares you. Keep growing and trying new things. Focus on where you’re going, not where you’ve been. And above all, let love and music guide you.

Next time you feel stuck or need a pick-me-up, turn on some Ella. Let her voice and her words inspire you. You might find the courage to chase your dreams like she did.

Musical Munchkin Resources

Looking to bring more music into your home? Check out these resources to have your whole family tapping their toes and humming.

These activities are perfect for introducing your little ones to the joy of music, just like Ella did for generations of listeners. Whether homeschooling or just looking for some fun family activities, these resources will help you hit all the right notes!