Product Details

• Format: Black & White, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: May 30, 2000
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0767027590
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #331,805 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

She was known as the First Lady of Song, and was the greatest scat artist to ever lay down a track of bebop. She was, of course, Ella Fitzgerald, and she is remembered and honored in this double-length Biography special.

Hosted by R&B legend Nancy Wilson, this A&E Entertainment tribute highlights Fitzgerald's seven-decade career as one of the greatest and most recognizable voices in jazz. Beginning with her teenage win of the Amateur Night contest at the legendary Apollo Theatre, her alliance with some of the best bands in jazz music, two short marriages, and her passing in June 1996, the audience is treated to a definitive history of this great singer, as well as many memorable tunes that she made famous.

Interviews with some of her best friends in the music industry, such as Dizzy Gillespie, as well as contemporary voices such as Al Jarreau and Abbey Lincoln, illustrate the influence Fitzgerald's gift had on the music industry. The video features live performances, and also focuses on her signature albums, such as the enormously successful "Songbook" series.

Much of Fitzgerald's life is touched upon here, but it is a credit to this Biography that, even after 100 minutes the viewer is left wanting more. --Zachary Lively

Product Description

ABOUT ELLA FITZGERALD In its heartfelt tribute to Ms. Ella Fitzgerald, when she died in June of 1996, Time Magazine wrote: "She had simply, become a part of the life of everyone who listens to music, a part that runs from a musical past into a shared tradition, and will not ever pass." Ella Fitzgerald set the standard to which every other singer has aspired when interpreting Gershwin, Berlin, Arlen, Porter, Ellington, Rodgers & Hart, Kern and Mercer. Her greatness consisted of virtues that encompassed a lovely voice, warm and radiant in its range, impeccable, sophisticated rhythmic sense and flawless harmonic sensibility and intonation. What distinguished her most decisively from other singers may have been less obvious; she had great style and taste. And, a genuine shyness that only released its hold on her when she began to sing. She then soared. SYNOPSIS This two hour music documentary is a full tribute, and yes, a celebration of the greatest singer of American Popular Songs. A musical journey, it is unlike any other music special recently presented nationally. It is a program that offers the wonderful musical life and career of Ella, through several original recordings and rarely seen performances, through the ears and insights of many great celebrities, a few of whom including Dr. Billy Taylor and Anita O'Day were her peers and friends. There are the thoughts of several other musical voices including Rosemary Clooney, Al Jarreau and Shirley Horn. However, what sets this special apart from all others is the presentation of the last full, exclusive interview done with Ella Fitzgerald in 1986. Gene Davis and the ESSENCE Television Program crew spent a day at her home in Beverly Hills, talking, taping and capturing many of the personal aspects of her life and 60 year career, in Ella's own words. She is relaxed, warm and candid. Unforgettable! The complete interviews, including those of the late Dizzy Gillespie and late music critic Leonard Feather, were originally licensed for new production usage, in 1995 and a license update in 1999, by the Gene Davis Group, Inc., from ESSENCE Communications, Inc. Discussions about the program were initiated with A&E Television Networks in 1995. ...Ella talks about her own celebrity; "Well, I think, uh, when we get so where we feel that we know what we're doing...or we think we're great...then you lose interest...at least that's the way I feel...I don't ever want to feel I think I'm the greatest. Because then you don't have anything to work...or look forward to. I like to feel that every time I can learn something more...and I can try to do better." ...about her greatness as a jazz/pop singer; "It puts pressure on you. And I don't feel that I'm the greatest jazz singer. I think that great, late Billie Holiday...Miss Billie Holiday was one of the greatest jazz singers. I sing jazz and I sing pop...and I try to sing...I...in fact I try to sing a little of everything...'cause I feel like I wanna reach everybody..." ...about her early recordings with greats like Benny Goodman; "I made a ...uh, a few records with him...and, one of them became very popular..but the late Chick Webb was recording for another company...so they changed my name 'cause the song became a big hit; "Good Night, My Love." And they changed my name to Evelyn Fields..." ELLA AND AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC & JAZZ Ella's life encompaseed many musical levels and aspects. The program virtually chronicles the evolution of American popular music, jazz and their exponents, as seen through Ella's musical growth and life. Ella's recollections of music greats like Count Basie, all of whom she performed with, help illuminate the program's musical focus and point of view. Ella's definitive and musically inventive approach to singing can be heard in many younger performers, today. We have interviewed, exclusively for this special two younger singers Carmen Bradford and Brian McKnight. NANCY WILSON hosts the special with support from Quincy Jones and Benny Carter, who set her career in motion, in 1995. Her long time friend and manager Norman Granz is paid tribute to, as well.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!, September 3, 2000

By 

A customer "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Biography - Ella Fitzgerald: Forever Ella [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Ella Fitzgerald is Truly Incredible.A Voice as Cool as the Sunshine in the Sky.Her Life Story is Something Special.She overcame so much.She is One oF The Greatest Talents The Music World Has Ever Heard Or Will Period.I Enjoy Her Work so Much.She is in a Class all unto Herself.this was a Great Showing of Her.you want even more.

5.0 out of 5 stars The First Lady of Song: In Her Own Words, January 5, 2010

By 

Christopher Carter "Music Nut" (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Biography - Ella Fitzgerald: Forever Ella [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is THE biography to have. With clips of the lady of the subject and a helpful commentary from legendary song stylist Nancy Wilson (who should get her own biography) Ella Fitzgerald's life is laid out for all to see and hear. With rare, long unseen clips of Ella in concert throughout the years, this is worth the price of admission.

From Ella's humble beginnings to the height of her fame and all that came in between you get to see artistry in motion. How could anyone watch this and say to themselves this woman should not be a national treasure?

5.0 out of 5 stars Forever Ella!, September 16, 2005

By 

G. Carter "gcmusiclover" (Temple Hills, maryland United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Biography - Ella Fitzgerald: Forever Ella [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This A&E Biography on the life of Ella Fitzgerald is great! Nancy Wilson does a great job of hosting this program, great footage and interviews.