5 Facts About Ella Fitzgerald’s Duke Ellington Songbook Album

Duke Ellington and his orchestra backed Ella Fitzgerald on the entire album. The album is titled Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook.

It was a full collaboration, not just a guest appearance. Ellington’s orchestra provided the accompaniment for every track.

The album is part of Fitzgerald’s famous Songbook series. She recorded multiple Songbook albums, each dedicated to a single composer.

Ellington’s involvement gave the album authentic arrangements. His orchestra played the music as he originally wrote it.

The recording is a landmark in jazz vocal and big band history. It showcases Fitzgerald’s voice alongside one of the greatest jazz orchestras.