For Release: February 28th, 2000
Her first dream was to be a dancer. Growing up in Yonkers, N. Y., she was inspired by the serpentine moves of "Snake Hips" Tucker and practiced them constantly with friends. Then, one fateful night at the Apollo Theater in 1934, the headlining Edwards Sisters brought down the house with their dancing. "Amateur Hour" began immediately after and 16-year-old Ella Fitzgerald stepped onstage--but was too intimidated to dance. Instead, she sang "Judy," silenced the awestruck crowd and won first prize. Thus began one of the most celebrated careers in music history.
American Masters , granted exclusive access to Fitzgerald's estate to make the first full-length documentary portrait of this legendary singer, presents Ella Fitzgerald: Something to Live For , airing Tuesday, March 21, at 9/8 p.m. CT on KET and KET2. Singer Tony Bennett narrates.
From orphaned days on Harlem streets to the upper stratosphere of musical fame, Fitzgerald's life was the quintessential American success story. Through 58 years of performing, 13 Grammy Awards and more than 40 million records sold, she elevated swing, be-bop, ballads and the blues to their highest potential. She was, undeniably, the First Lady of Song.
In interviews with friends, colleagues and family, viewers hear her stories, laced with humor, charm and modesty. "She was the best there ever was," says Johnny Mathis. "Amongst all of us who sing, she was the best."
Ella Fitzgerald: Something to Live For, an American Masters Special , produced by WNET/New York, is closed-captioned for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Viewers can find out more about programming on KET by visiting the KET Web site at http://www.ket.org , a Kentucky.com affiliate.
Contact: Todd Piccirilli
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