Ella Fitzgerald - Ella in Rome: The Birthday Concert

This concert performance finds Ella Fitzgerald celebrating her 40th birthday. A top singer for 23 years at that point, she was at the peak of her powers. Backed by her regular rhythm section (with pianist Lou Levy, bassist Max Bennett and drummer Gus Johnson), she puts on her usual show of the period, uplifting the ballads and swinging the faster material. Highlights include "St. Louis Blues," "Caravan," "It's All Right with Me" and "I Can't Give You Anything but Love," during which she imitates both Louis Armstrong and Rose Murphy. Read More