91福利社

Ella Fitzgerald is one of America's greatest stars. Singer, Mara Carlyle, examines the life and vocal magnificence of the most beloved of jazz singers.

Mara visits Harlem to trace Ella's ascent from humble origins to becoming one of America's greatest stars, exploring the voice that transformed her fortunes and changed the face of jazz forever.

She's joined by a host of singers including opera queen Jessye Norman, Dianne Reeves, Emiliana Torrini, ESKA, and her own aunt, jazz singer Norma Winstone.

Mara examines the magic of Ella's vocal prowess - her pure, clear tone, impeccable phrasing, virtuosic improvisation, and her tender expression of human emotion - that has kept audiences captivated since her auspicious debut at New York's Apollo Theater.

Produced by Zakia Sewell and Tobias Withers

A Cast Iron Radio production for 91福利社 Radio 4, first broadcast in 2017.