United States Postal ServicePrintPrint

Audio News Release: ELLA FITZGERALD STAMP - Black Heritage Series

    INTRO:
    Ella Fitzgerald, "The First Lady of Song," remains an unsurpassed icon to music lovers of all backgrounds. Her amazing vocal range, combined with her gift for pitch, rhythmic sense and flawless diction, made her a favorite of fans, songwriters and other singers. The U.S. Postal Service commemorates her legacy and contributions to American music with a stamp based on a photo that captures the joy and excitement that Fitzgerald brought to music.

    Ray Brown Junior is Ella Fitzgerald's son.

    BROWN SOUNDBITE:
    THERE WAS A TRUE LOVE AND ELEGANCE THAT MY MOTHER EXPRESSED EVERY TIME SHE SANG. A FLAWLESS VOICE, REALLY LIKE A GIFT FROM GOD, EXTREMELY WELL DISCIPLINED. I APPRECIATED HOW SHE WAS ABLE TO CAPTURE BOTH LOVE AND HEARTACHE WITH THE SAME GRACE AND NUANCE AND THAT'S PART OF WHAT I'LL MISS MOST ABOUT HER.

    CLOSE:
    The Postal Service began its popular Black Heritage stamp series in 1978 with a stamp honoring Harriet Tubman. Ella Fitzgerald joins a long list of legendary African-American leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Malcolm X.
(Preceding audio provided by the U.S. Postal Service)


# # #

[ Close Window ]