SOUNDSTAGE: ELLA FITZGERALD (TV)
Summary
One in this series of music programs. This installment features the "first lady of song," Ella Fitzgerald. The program begins with Fitzgerald's rendition of "Am I Blue?" The musicians sharing the stage with the singer are introduced, including Count Basie, Joe Pass, Roy Eldridge, Zoot Sims, Paul Smith, Keter Betts, and Mickey Roker. Next, Fitzgerald performs the following selections: "Honeysuckle Rose," "Where Do We Go From Here?" "Let's Do It," "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," "Mountain Greenery," George Gershwin's "Love is Here to Stay," and "Blues in the Night." Count Basie introduces his musical group, the Kansas City Five, a subset of the larger band; the Five perform several numbers. With the help of her accompanying musicians Fitzgerald then sings Duke Ellington's "Short Medley." Joe Pass performs a guitar solo and is joined by Fitzgerald. Finally, with trumpet player Roy Eldridge, Fitzgerald sings "I Can't Get Started With You" and then "Lady Be Good."
Cataloging of this program was made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, 2000.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS
- DATE: November 30, 1978
- RUNNING TIME: 1:27:46
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:11816
- GENRE: Music
- SUBJECT HEADING: African-American singers; Jazz; Music, popular (songs, etc.); Women musicians - United States
- SERIES RUN: PBS (American Public Television) - TV series, 1971-1985
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Ken Erlich … Producer
- Dick Carter … Director
- Kansas City Five, The … Music Group
- Ella Fitzgerald … Singer
- Basie, William "Count" … Instrumentalist, Pianist
- Cleveland Eaton … Instrumentalist, Bassist
- Roy Eldridge … Instrumentalist, Trumpet
- Duffy Jackson … Instrumentalist, Percussionist
- Joe Pass … Instrumentalist, Guitarist
- Zoot Sims … Instrumentalist, Saxophone
- Paul Smith … Instrumentalist, Pianist
- Keter Betts … Instrumentalist, Bassist
- Mickey Roker … Instrumentalist, Percussionist
- Duke Ellington
- George Gershwin