Ella Fitzgerald was born in Newport news on April 25, 1917. She was also known as the “First Lady of Song” and “Lady Ella.” She had a troubled childhood and that's what convinced her to become a singer. She performed at the Apollo Theatre in 1934 and was discovered in an ameture contest and later was the first African American Woman to win a Grammy award. After that first one she won a total of 13 grammys and sold more than 40 million albums. She died in 1996 on June 15. Ella Fitzgerald has changed history for african american singers. After her unexpected performance at the theatre she met Chick Webb who was a band leader and drummer. She soon joined his group as the singer and they released a song called “Love and Kisses” in 1935. After