April 25, 1917
Ella Fitzgerald is born in Newport News, Virginia.
1934
Fitzgerald wins amateur night competition at Harlem’s Apollo Theater.
1935
Fitzgerald joins Chick Webb’s band.
1938
Fitzgerald records her first big swing hit, “A-Tisket, A-Tasket.”
1939
Fitzgerald takes over the band when Webb dies. Group is called Ella Fitzgerald and Her Famous Orchestra.
1942
Fitzgerald leaves band to begin a solo career. She moves to bebop jazz, because swing is in decline. She becomes known for amazing scat improvisations.
1947
Fitzgerald marries bass player Ray Brown.
1956–1964
Fitzgerald records eight multialbum songbook sets that include songs by America’s greatest songwriters. During these years she tours the United States and Europe.
1956–1957
Fitzgerald records three albums with Louis Armstrong.
1979
Fitzgerald is inducted into the Big Band Jazz Hall of Fame.
1987
President Ronald Reagan awards Fitzgerald the National Medal of Arts in ceremony at White House.
1992
President George H. W. Bush awards Fitzgerald the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
1993
Fitzgerald makes last public performance.
June 15, 1996
Ella Fitzgerald dies in Beverly Hills, California.
2007
U.S. Postal Service issues a stamp honoring Fitzgerald.