Emily Carter
Despite common misconceptions, Chick Webb, the renowned jazz drummer and band leader, was not married to the famous jazz vocalist, Ella Fitzgerald. In fact, Webb was married to Martha Loretta Ferguson, also known as Sally. Ella Fitzgerald was only 17 when she joined Webb's band as a vocalist in 1935, and the two went on to perform hits such as A-Tisket, A-Tasket. Webb's influence on Fitzgerald's career was significant, and he is often credited with discovering and mentoring her.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ella Fitzgerald |
| Birth Date | April 25, 1917 |
| Death Date | June 15, 1996 |
| Nicknames | First Lady of Song, Queen of Jazz, Lady Ella |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, composer |
| Associated Acts | Chick Webb Orchestra, Benny Goodman Orchestra, Ella Fitzgerald and Her Savoy Eight, Ella Fitzgerald and Her Famous Orchestra, The Three Keys |
| Awards | National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Equal Justice Award, American Black Achievement Award |
| Mentors | Chick Webb |
| Cause of Death | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Chick Webb was not married to Ella Fitzgerald
Chick Webb was a renowned jazz drummer and bandleader, known for his powerful drumming and showmanship. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1905 or 1909 and died in 1939. Webb's band was one of the dominant big bands of the swing era, and he is credited with raising the standard for drummer-led bands and paving the way for other renowned drummers.
Ella Fitzgerald, also known as the "First Lady of Song" or the "Queen of Jazz," was a celebrated American singer, songwriter, and composer. She rose to prominence in the 1930s, performing with Chick Webb's orchestra and becoming nationally acclaimed for her rendition of the nursery rhyme "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." Despite their close association and mentorship, Ella Fitzgerald was not married to Chick Webb.
Chick Webb was married to Martha Loretta Ferguson, also known as Sally, and there is no indication that he was ever married to anyone else. After Webb's death, Fitzgerald took over as the leader of his band until 1942, when she left to focus on her solo career, causing the band to disband.
Fitzgerald joined Webb's orchestra in 1935, and they worked together until his death in 1939. During this time, Fitzgerald recorded nearly 150 songs with Webb's orchestra. She is known for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, absolute pitch, and improvisational ability, particularly in scat singing.
While there were rumours that Ella Fitzgerald was married to Chick Webb, these were false. Fitzgerald was a shy person who kept to herself, and she viewed Webb as a mentor and a guide to her successful musical career. Webb, on the other hand, faced physical challenges due to a childhood injury but overcame them to become one of the most influential jazz drummers of his time.
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Webb was married to Martha Loretta Ferguson, also known as Sally
William Henry "Chick" Webb, the renowned jazz drummer and band leader, was married to Martha Loretta Ferguson, also known as Sally. Chick Webb, who rose to prominence in the 1930s, was known for his powerful drumming and dynamic showmanship. He was an influential figure in the swing era, with his band being considered one of the dominant acts of that time. Webb's impact extended beyond his own performances, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the career of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, who would go on to become one of the most celebrated jazz vocalists.
Martha Loretta Ferguson, known as Sally, was by Chick Webb's side during his illustrious career. While not much information is publicly available about her, her presence in Webb's life is testament to the personal side of his story, which is often overshadowed by his musical achievements. Webb's impact on the jazz world was profound, and his influence extended beyond his own performances.
Ella Fitzgerald, the young singer he discovered, was just starting out in the 1930s when she burst onto the musical scene. Some sources claim that Webb became her legal guardian, while others suggest he acted as a mentor and promoter, guiding her career. Fitzgerald's relationship with Webb was significant, and she deeply mourned his untimely death in 1939. She bravely sang at his funeral, attempting to get through the sentimental song "My Buddy" before being overcome with emotion.
The impact of Chick Webb's death reverberated through the jazz community, and a crowd of about 7,500 people attended a Chick Webb Benefit in Baltimore, Maryland, in February 1940. Among those present were Sally Webb, Chick's widow, his mother Marie Webb, and his sister Mabel Porter. The turnout at the benefit reflected the profound influence Webb had on jazz music and the people who knew and admired him.
Chick Webb's legacy continues to endure, and he is remembered not only for his musical prowess but also for his impact on those around him, including his wife, Sally, and his protégée, Ella Fitzgerald. His story, both personal and musical, continues to fascinate and inspire, leaving a lasting mark on the world of jazz.
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Ella Fitzgerald was known as the First Lady of Song
Ella Fitzgerald, known as the "First Lady of Song", was an American singer, songwriter, and composer. She was born on April 25, 1917, and passed away on June 15, 1996. She was known for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, absolute pitch, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing.
Fitzgerald's career began in 1935 when she was introduced to drummer and bandleader Chick Webb by Bardu Ali. She was invited to perform with Webb's orchestra at a dance at Yale University, and her performance was met with acclaim from the audience and fellow musicians. She went on to record nearly 150 songs with Webb's orchestra between 1935 and 1942, including hit songs like "Love and Kisses" and "You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini)".
One of her most notable recordings with Webb's orchestra was her 1938 version of the nursery rhyme, "A-Tisket, A-Tasket", which she co-wrote. This song brought her public acclaim and helped boost both her and Webb to national fame. Fitzgerald's rendition of "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" is considered a classic and has become synonymous with her name.
After Webb's death in 1939, Fitzgerald took over as the leader of his band until 1942, when she left to focus on her solo career. During this time, she recorded songs like "Flying Home" and "Oh, Lady Be Good!", further solidifying her reputation as one of the leading jazz vocalists.
Ella Fitzgerald's impact on music, particularly jazz, is undeniable. Her talent, dedication to her craft, and unique style have earned her the title of the "First Lady of Song". She has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers worldwide.
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Fitzgerald was a civil rights activist
Ella Fitzgerald, the famous jazz vocalist, was not married to Chick Webb, the musician. However, she was a civil rights activist. She was awarded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Equal Justice Award and the American Black Achievement Award.
Fitzgerald was a trailblazer in the music industry, becoming the first Black artist managed by Norman Granz, who founded Verve Records to produce her records. She also broke box office records in Australia during her 1954 tour, which was promoted by Lee Gordon. Unfortunately, the tour was marred by an incident of racial discrimination that caused Fitzgerald to miss the first two concerts in Sydney.
Fitzgerald's civil rights activism extended beyond her music career. She was a prominent figure in the fight for equality and justice for African Americans. She used her platform to raise awareness and speak out against racial discrimination. Fitzgerald's activism was recognized and celebrated by organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, who presented her with the Equal Justice Award.
In addition to her activism, Fitzgerald was also dedicated to mentoring and supporting the next generation of musicians. She was known for her generosity and willingness to share her knowledge and experience with aspiring artists. She was also a role model for women in the music industry, breaking barriers and paving the way for future female musicians.
Fitzgerald's impact on civil rights extended beyond her lifetime. Her music and activism continue to inspire and influence new generations to stand up for equality and justice. She left a lasting legacy that continues to shape the world, serving as a reminder of the power of art and artists in the fight for social change.
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Webb was known as The King of the Savoy
William Henry "Chick" Webb, born in Baltimore, Maryland, was an American jazz and swing music drummer and band leader. Webb was known as "The King of the Savoy" because he reigned supreme over jazz drummers in New York in the 1930s. He was a consummate showman with a fluid and rhythmic style, making him perfectly suited for the swing era. Webb's powerful drumming and showmanship made him quite a star, and he named his band the Chick Webb Orchestra. The lineup at the time included Benny Carter, Louis Jordan, Don Redman, and Mario Bauza.
In 1931, Webb's band became the house band at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York. Webb's band was built to keep people dancing, and the swing he produced to achieve this was widely imitated. The Savoy Ballroom was located at 596 Lenox Avenue, between 140th and 141st Streets in Harlem. Webb's band had steady engagements at the Savoy Ballroom throughout the 1930s, which helped him maintain a stable roster of band personnel and develop ensemble discipline.
The Chick Webb Orchestra's theme song was "Stomping at the Savoy", which was perfectly fitting given their association with the Savoy Ballroom. Webb's band was feared in Harlem club circles as they were known to blow any other band off the stage. There are many stories about the long line of musicians who left the Savoy Ballroom dejected after being outperformed by Chick Webb's band.
Chick Webb's influence extended beyond his performances at the Savoy Ballroom. His band competed in battle-of-the-bands contests with the Benny Goodman Orchestra and the Count Basie Orchestra. Webb's powerful technique and virtuoso performances heavily influenced other drummers, including Buddy Rich, who referred to Webb as "the daddy of them all". Webb raised the standard for drummer awareness and paved the way for drummer-led bands.
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Frequently asked questions
Chick Webb, born William Henry Webb, was an American jazz and swing music drummer and bandleader. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on February 10, 1905, or 1909, and died on June 16, 1939. He was known for his powerful drumming and showmanship and led one of the dominant big bands of the swing era.
Chick Webb was married to Martha Loretta Ferguson, who was known as Sally. He had no children.
Ella Fitzgerald was a famous jazz vocalist, songwriter, and composer. She was discovered by Chick Webb and became his protégée. She was a member of his orchestra and performed with them at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. She was not married to Chick Webb, but she did take over as bandleader after his death.
