Biography Season 14 Episode 3 Ella Fitzgerald - Forever Ella

Ella Fitzgerald - Forever Ella is the third episode of the 14th season of the popular Biography TV series. In this episode, the viewers are taken on a journey through the life, music and legacy of one of the greatest jazz singers of all time - Ella Fitzgerald.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to Ella's early life and how her incredible singing talent was discovered. Born to a troubled family in Virginia, Ella's parents separated when she was still a young child, and she was sent to live with her aunt in New York City. Growing up in Harlem, Ella faced numerous obstacles and challenges, but her love for music and singing kept her going.

The episode then moves on to explore Ella's early career, including her time as part of Chick Webb's orchestra. Ella's angelic voice and virtuosic scat singing quickly made her a sensation, and she soon became one of the most popular performers of her time. The show features rare footage of Ella's early performances, highlighting her unique vocal range and improvisational skills.

The episode then moves on to explore Ella's incredible journey to stardom. Through interviews with jazz historians, critics, and musicians, the audience gets to learn about Ella's groundbreaking performances at Carnegie Hall and her many collaborations with some of the biggest jazz greats of all time. Viewers also get to learn about Ella's unique style and technique, as well as her efforts to break down racial barriers in the music industry.

Throughout the episode, there are also many touching moments that highlight Ella's humanity and warmth. In one particularly moving scene, we see Ella comforting a young fan who is overcome with emotion at meeting her idol. We also get to hear from Ella's friends and collaborators, who share personal anecdotes and memories of the singer's kindness, generosity, and talent.

The episode then takes a bittersweet turn as it explores Ella's later years and health struggles. Despite her declining health and mobility, Ella continued to perform and record music well into her 70s, earning numerous awards and accolades in the process. However, her final years were also marked by controversy and legal battles, as her estate and finances came under scrutiny.

The episode ends on a poignant note, featuring rare footage of Ella's final performances and interviews with those who knew her best. While Ella may have passed away in 1996, her legacy lives on, and her contributions to jazz music continue to inspire and influence new generations of musicians.

Overall, Ella Fitzgerald - Forever Ella is a fascinating and engaging exploration of one of the greatest singers in music history. Through a mix of archival footage, interviews, and personal stories, the episode succeeds in capturing the essence of Ella's unique talent, magnetism, and spirit. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or simply a fan of great music, this episode is well worth watching.