ELLA

Developed with material from the archives of her estate, illustrated with rare photos of Ella, artifacts from her life and internationally acclaimed career, as well as her complete up to date discography, ELLA reveals the unknown side of the famous vocalist. This ‘must-have’ tome not only covers her entire career with many never-before seen photos, interviews, and anecdotes, but delivers for the first time the true, untold story of Ella – the woman.


Ella Jane Fitzgerald became an internationally celebrated cultural force who has been called the greatest female singer in history. ELLA chronicles the ultimate rags-to-riches embodiment of the American dream, whose personal life was one of the best-kept secrets in show business. In her lifetime, the “The First Lady of Song” sold over 40 million albums, wrote hit songs, devoted herself to philanthropy, and amassed countless awards and commendations, including 14 Grammys, honorary doctorates from Dartmouth, Princeton, Harvard, and Yale, the National Medal of Arts, France’s Commander of Arts and Letters, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 


Miss Fitzgerald is known in every part of the world as “Queen of Jazz,” “First Lady of Song,” “Mama Jazz,” and “The Memorex Lady.” Her bittersweet life juxtaposes the tragedy of a homeless orphan who faced poverty, racial prejudice, sexual and physical abuse, with a talent and a burning ambition that led to an astonishing musical career spanning seven decades. She was an African American woman who fought racism and sexism in an industry completely dominated by white males. Despite her challenges, Ella Fitzgerald topped them all, enjoying a career and a musical legacy rivaling or surpassing those of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Michael Jackson.


“Finally, Ella Fitzgerald has gotten the biography that she deserves. In Geoffrey Mark’s empathetic but clear-eyed portrait, both the vocal legend and the woman are brought vividly, insightfully and movingly to life.” 

– James Gavin, award-winning author of ‘Deep in a Dream: The Long Night of Chet Baker’ and ‘Stormy Weather: The Life of Lena Horne’ 



“Ella Fitzgerald fans and those just discovering her musical talents will find this book a treasure – lengthy bio, discography, and hundreds of amazing anecdotes about the Queen of Jazz.”

– Barbara Scott, Feathered Quill


“Nobody has ever captured the amazing life and exemplary career of the Premiere Chanteuse as well as Mr. Mark has in this book. This is the authoritative compendium that will remain the last word on Ella Fitzgerald!” 

– Randy West, jazz radio host & legendary TV announcer



“This‘only in America’ story is told with accuracy and great regard by Mr. Mark. His research and writing style make this the definitive tome on The First Lady of Song! This book would have made Ella proud.”

 – Don Wardell, Grammy Award-winner and Great American Songbook radio host at 107.3 MOD FM, Palm Springs, CA