Ella Fitzgerald, also known as the “First Lady of Song,” was a legendary American jazz singer with a career spanning over six decades. Her unique and powerful voice, combined with her impeccable timing and phrasing, made her one of the most celebrated and influential vocalists in the history of jazz music. Her extensive discography features a wide range of musical styles, including swing, blues, bebop, and ballads.
Narrowing down Ella Fitzgerald’s vast catalog to just ten songs is a daunting task, but there are certain songs that stand out as fan favorites and critical darlings. From the playful swing of “A-Tisket A-Tasket” to the soulful blues of “Summertime,” Fitzgerald’s songs have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Other notable tracks include the romantic and melancholic “But Not for Me,” the fun and upbeat “I’m Beginning to See the Light,” and the iconic jazz standard “Mack the Knife.”
Fitzgerald’s influence on jazz music is immeasurable, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. In this list of the top ten best Ella Fitzgerald songs of all time, we celebrate her incredible career and showcase some of her most beloved and enduring hits. These songs are a testament to her talent, passion, and enduring impact on the world of music.
1. “Cow Cow Boogie”
“Cow Cow Boogie” is a swing and jazz song by American singer Ella Fitzgerald, originally released in 1942 as a single. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody with a mix of horns, piano, and percussion elements.
The lyrics of “Cow Cow Boogie” describe a cowboy and his cow who love to dance and have fun. Fitzgerald sings about how the cow’s milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, making them want to dance and have a good time. The chorus features a memorable hook, with Fitzgerald repeating the line “Cow cow boogie, moo moo cow” as a celebration of the cow’s unique dancing style.
The song’s production is lively, featuring a fun and energetic sound that showcases Fitzgerald’s dynamic vocals. The music video for “Cow Cow Boogie” is also notable, featuring Fitzgerald’s playful and charming stage presence.
“Cow Cow Boogie” was praised by critics for its catchy melody and Fitzgerald’s lively performance. It was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the US Billboard Pop chart and becoming one of Fitzgerald’s most iconic and enduring hits.
Overall, “Cow Cow Boogie” is a swing and jazz classic that showcases Ella Fitzgerald’s talent as a singer and performer. Its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics make it a fan favorite and a defining moment in Fitzgerald’s career.
2. “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall”
“Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” is a jazz and swing song by American singers Ella Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots, originally released in 1944 as a single. The song features a beautiful and melancholic melody with a mix of piano, guitar, and percussion elements.
The lyrics of “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” describe the ups and downs of life, and how everyone must face difficult times. Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots sing about how rain falls on everyone’s life, but that it’s important to keep going and to find hope in the darkness. The chorus features a powerful hook, with the singers repeating the line “Into each life some rain must fall” as a reminder of life’s challenges.
The song’s production is elegant, featuring a beautiful arrangement of piano and guitar that complement Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots’ emotive vocals. The music video for “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” is also notable, featuring the singers’ poignant performance and poignant lyrics.
“Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” was praised by critics for its emotional impact and Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots’ powerful vocals. It was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the US Billboard Pop chart and becoming one of Fitzgerald’s most iconic and enduring hits.
Overall, “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” is a jazz and swing classic that showcases Ella Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots’ talent as singers and performers. Its message of hope and resilience resonated with audiences around the world, making it a fan favorite and a defining moment in Fitzgerald’s career.
3. “I’m Making Believe”
“I’m Making Believe” is a jazz and swing song by American singers Ella Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots, originally released in 1944 as a single. The song features a beautiful and romantic melody with a mix of horns, piano, and percussion elements.
The lyrics of “I’m Making Believe” describe a couple who are deeply in love and how they’re lost in their own world. Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots sing about how their love is like a dream and how they feel like they’re living in a fairytale. The chorus features a memorable hook, with the singers repeating the line “I’m making believe that you’re in my arms” as a declaration of their love and devotion to each other.
The song’s production is elegant, featuring a beautiful arrangement of horns and piano that complement Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots’ emotive vocals. The music video for “I’m Making Believe” is also notable, featuring the singers’ romantic performance and beautiful lyrics.
“I’m Making Believe” was praised by critics for its romantic lyrics and Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots’ powerful vocals. It was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the US Billboard Pop chart and becoming one of Fitzgerald’s most iconic and enduring hits.
Overall, “I’m Making Believe” is a jazz and swing classic that showcases Ella Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots’ talent as singers and performers. Its romantic lyrics and beautiful melody make it a fan favorite and a defining moment in Fitzgerald’s career.
4. “Can’t Buy Me Love”
“Can’t Buy Me Love” is a jazz and swing cover song by American singer Ella Fitzgerald, originally released in 1964 as part of her album “Hello, Dolly!”. The song is a cover of the Beatles’ hit single from the same year and features a swing and jazz arrangement with a mix of horns, piano, and percussion elements.
The lyrics of “Can’t Buy Me Love” describe how money can’t buy happiness and love. Fitzgerald sings about how material possessions are worthless compared to true love and how people shouldn’t be blinded by the pursuit of wealth. The chorus features a memorable hook, with Fitzgerald repeating the line “I don’t care too much for money, money can’t buy me love” as a declaration of her values and beliefs.
The song’s production is lively, featuring a fun and energetic sound that showcases Fitzgerald’s dynamic vocals. The music video for “Can’t Buy Me Love” is also notable, featuring Fitzgerald’s playful and charming stage presence.
“Can’t Buy Me Love” was praised by critics for its unique and swingy interpretation of the Beatles’ hit single. It was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the US Billboard Pop chart and becoming one of Fitzgerald’s most popular and enduring covers.
Overall, “Can’t Buy Me Love” is a jazz and swing classic that showcases Ella Fitzgerald’s talent as a singer and performer. Its fun and upbeat rhythm, combined with its meaningful lyrics, make it a fan favorite and a defining moment in Fitzgerald’s career.
5. “It’s Only a Paper Moon”
“It’s Only a Paper Moon” is a jazz and swing song by American singer Ella Fitzgerald, originally released in 1945 as a single. The song features a beautiful and romantic melody with a mix of piano, horns, and percussion elements.
The lyrics of “It’s Only a Paper Moon” describe a dream world that’s created in the mind, and how it’s possible to find happiness even in difficult times. Fitzgerald sings about how life can be tough, but that it’s important to keep dreaming and to believe in a brighter future. The chorus features a memorable hook, with Fitzgerald repeating the line “It’s only a paper moon, sailing over a cardboard sea” as a reminder of the power of imagination and hope.
The song’s production is elegant, featuring a beautiful arrangement of piano and horns that complement Fitzgerald’s emotive vocals. The music video for “It’s Only a Paper Moon” is also notable, featuring Fitzgerald’s enchanting performance and poignant lyrics.
“It’s Only a Paper Moon” was praised by critics for its romantic lyrics and Fitzgerald’s powerful vocals. It was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the US Billboard Pop chart and becoming one of Fitzgerald’s most iconic and enduring hits.
Overall, “It’s Only a Paper Moon” is a jazz and swing classic that showcases Ella Fitzgerald’s talent as a singer and performer. Its message of hope and resilience resonated with audiences around the world, making it a fan favorite and a defining moment in Fitzgerald’s career.
6. “But Not for Me”
“But Not for Me” is a jazz and swing song by American singer Ella Fitzgerald, originally released in 1959 as part of her album “Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook”. The song features a beautiful and melancholic melody with a mix of piano, guitar, and percussion elements.
The lyrics of “But Not for Me” describe a person who’s in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same way. Fitzgerald sings about how the world seems different when you’re in love and how heartbreak can feel all-consuming. The chorus features a poignant hook, with Fitzgerald repeating the line “They’re writing songs of love, but not for me” as a reflection of her feelings of loneliness and longing.
The song’s production is elegant, featuring a beautiful arrangement of piano and guitar that complement Fitzgerald’s emotive vocals. The music video for “But Not for Me” is also notable, featuring Fitzgerald’s poignant performance and heartfelt lyrics.
“But Not for Me” was praised by critics for its emotive impact and Fitzgerald’s powerful vocals. It was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the US Billboard Pop chart and becoming one of Fitzgerald’s most iconic and enduring hits.
Overall, “But Not for Me” is a jazz and swing classic that showcases Ella Fitzgerald’s talent as a singer and performer. Its emotional depth and beautiful melody make it a fan favorite and a defining moment in Fitzgerald’s career.
7. “I’m Beginning to See the Light”
“I’m Beginning to See the Light” is a jazz and swing song by American singer Ella Fitzgerald, originally released in 1945 as part of her album “The Best of Ella Fitzgerald”. The song features a lively and upbeat melody with a mix of horns, piano, and percussion elements.
The lyrics of “I’m Beginning to See the Light” describe the feeling of falling in love and how it can make everything seem brighter. Fitzgerald sings about how love has changed her perspective and how she’s beginning to see the world in a new way. The chorus features a memorable hook, with Fitzgerald repeating the line “I’m beginning to see the light” as a declaration of her newfound happiness.
The song’s production is energetic, featuring a fun and lively sound that showcases Fitzgerald’s dynamic vocals. The music video for “I’m Beginning to See the Light” is also notable, featuring Fitzgerald’s playful and charming stage presence.
“I’m Beginning to See the Light” was praised by critics for its infectious rhythm and Fitzgerald’s vibrant performance. It was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the US Billboard Pop chart and becoming one of Fitzgerald’s most popular and enduring hits.
Overall, “I’m Beginning to See the Light” is a jazz and swing classic that showcases Ella Fitzgerald’s talent as a singer and performer. Its upbeat tempo and feel-good lyrics make it a fan favorite and a defining moment in Fitzgerald’s career.
8. “A-Tisket A-Tasket”
“A-Tisket A-Tasket” is a jazz and swing song by American singer Ella Fitzgerald, originally released in 1938 as a single. The song features a playful and upbeat melody with a mix of horns, piano, and percussion elements.
The lyrics of “A-Tisket A-Tasket” describe a playful children’s game in which a little girl loses her yellow basket. Fitzgerald sings about the hunt for the basket, the joy of finding it, and the silly rhymes that go along with the game. The chorus features a catchy hook, with Fitzgerald repeating the line “A-tisket a-tasket, a green and yellow basket” as a celebration of the joy and silliness of childhood.
The song’s production is lively, featuring a fun and energetic sound that showcases Fitzgerald’s dynamic vocals. The music video for “A-Tisket A-Tasket” is also notable, featuring Fitzgerald’s playful and charming stage presence.
“A-Tisket A-Tasket” was praised by critics for its catchy melody and Fitzgerald’s vivacious performance. It was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the US Billboard Pop chart and becoming one of Fitzgerald’s most iconic and enduring hits.
Overall, “A-Tisket A-Tasket” is a jazz and swing classic that showcases Ella Fitzgerald’s talent as a singer and performer. Its playful lyrics and upbeat rhythm make it a fan favorite and a defining moment in Fitzgerald’s career.
9. “Mack the Knife”
“Mack the Knife” is a jazz and swing song by American singer Ella Fitzgerald, originally released in 1960 as part of her album “Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife”. The song features a lively and upbeat melody with a mix of horns, piano, and percussion elements.
The lyrics of “Mack the Knife” describe the notorious criminal Mackie Messer and his escapades. Fitzgerald sings about how dangerous and charming Mackie is, and how everyone is mesmerized by him. The chorus features a memorable hook, with Fitzgerald repeating the line “Oh, the shark has pretty teeth, dear” as a warning of Mackie’s dangerous allure.
The song’s production is lively, featuring a fun and energetic sound that showcases Fitzgerald’s dynamic vocals. The music video for “Mack the Knife” is also notable, featuring Fitzgerald’s charismatic and captivating performance.
“Mack the Knife” was praised by critics for its infectious rhythm and Fitzgerald’s powerful vocals. It was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the US Billboard Pop chart and becoming one of Fitzgerald’s most popular and enduring hits.
Overall, “Mack the Knife” is a jazz and swing classic that showcases Ella Fitzgerald’s talent as a singer and performer. Its upbeat tempo and captivating lyrics make it a fan favorite and a defining moment in Fitzgerald’s career.
10. “Summertime”
“Summertime” is a jazz and blues song by American singer Ella Fitzgerald, originally released in 1968 as part of her album “Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook”. The song features a soulful and slow-paced melody with a mix of horns, piano, and percussion elements.
The lyrics of “Summertime” describe the beauty and joy of summertime, and the hope that it brings. Fitzgerald sings about how the warm weather and the blue skies can bring a sense of peace and renewal, even in difficult times. The chorus features a poignant hook, with Fitzgerald repeating the line “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy” as a celebration of the simple pleasures of summer.
The song’s production is elegant, featuring a beautiful arrangement of horns and piano that complement Fitzgerald’s emotive vocals. The music video for “Summertime” is also notable, featuring Fitzgerald’s powerful and moving performance.
“Summertime” was praised by critics for its emotional depth and Fitzgerald’s soulful interpretation. It was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the US Billboard Pop chart and becoming one of Fitzgerald’s most iconic and enduring hits.
Overall, “Summertime” is a jazz and blues classic that showcases Ella Fitzgerald’s talent as a singer and performer. Its emotional resonance and beautiful melody make it a fan favorite and a defining moment in Fitzgerald’s career.