Harmonizing History: Judith Tick Unveils the Untold Story of Ella Fitzgerald, Jazz's Transformative Voice

The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Art of Living Interview

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast. I'm Paul Vogelzang, and today's show is part of our Smithsonian Associates Art of Living Interview series. Today we're diving into the melodious world of jazz with an enthralling discussion about one of its most iconic figures.

Our guest is the distinguished music historian and Smithsonian Associate, Judith Tick.  Smithsonian Associate Judith Tick will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up…Please check out our Show Notes today for more details.

Judith Tick's meticulous research breathes new life into Ella's story, Becoming Ella Fitzgerald: The Jazz Singer Who Transformed American Song, available Dec. 3, 2023. Drawing on a treasure trove of digital records from influential Black newspapers like the Baltimore Afro-American and the Chicago Defender, Judith Tick shares resources previously untapped by biographers, providing us with a fresh and profound understanding of Fitzgerald's journey.  We'll hear about her iconic performances at venues like the Apollo Theater and the Savoy Ballroom, her collaborations with giants like Chick Webb and Nelson Riddle, and her complex relationship with record labels, but let's listen as Judith Tick reads from her new book about Chick Webb's orbit.

Judith Tick tells us today that the biography is more than a chronicle of dates and events. It's an exploration of how Fitzgerald, a groundbreaking Black American woman singer and bandleader, navigated and transformed the worlds of jazz and pop. Tick takes us through Ella's early days, her rise to stardom, and her unique ability to expand her audience across cultural divides.

So, join us as we uncover the layers of Ella Fitzgerald's artistry and her profound impact on the American music scene. Whether you're a casual fan of jazz, a music historian, or an ardent admirer of Fitzgerald's talent, this conversation promises to be as masterful and wonderful as its subject. Stay tuned for a journey through the life and legacy of the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald.

My thanks to Smithsonian Associate Judith Tick.  Judith Tick will be appearing at

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