In 1934, a young aspiring dancer made an impromptu decision to sing instead of dance for amateur night at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. The decision would change the rest of her life and American music forever. Her name was Ella Fitzgerald.
About a year after winning amateur night, Fitzgerald was discovered by jazz drummer and band leader Chick Webb. Her smooth voice and undeniable stage presence helped her break down racial barriers and become the first African American woman to win a Grammy Award. To honor and celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday today, here are ten stunning photos of the First Lady of Jazz.
1. Ella Fitzgerald (1945).
Photo credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
2. Ella Fitzgerald performing in Chicago (1958).
Photo credit: Yale Joel/Life Magazine/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
3. Ella Fitzgerald performing at a New York nightclub called Downbeat (1948).
Photo credit: Herman Leonard Photography L.L.C.
4. Ella Fitzgerald (1970).
Photo credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
5. Ella Fitzgerald signing autographs at the concert series Jazz at the Philharmonic in Vienna (1954).
Photo credit: Imagno/Getty Images
6. Ella Fitzgerald with Nat King Cole (1955). 
Photo credit: Gilles Petard/Redferns
7. A young Ella Fitzgerald (1940)
Photo credit: Carl Van Vechten
8. Ella Fitzgerald with band leader, Chick Webb (1938).
Photo credit: Gilles Petard/Getty Images
9. Ella Fitzgerald performing with Louis Armstrong at the Empire Room of the Waldorf Astoria in New York City (1971).
Photo via: AP Photo
10. The First Lady of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald (1959).
Photo credit: NBC/NBCU photo bank/Getty Images