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Ella Fitzgerald: A Glorious Noise

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25/04/2017

BBC Radio 4 - Ella Fitzgerald: A Glorious Noise

Mara Carlyle on Ella Fitzgerald's vocal magnificence, marking 100 years since her birth.

Marking 100 years since Ella Fitzgerald's birth, Mara Carlyle examines her vocal magnificence with fellow singers including Jessye Norman, Dianne Reeves, Norman Winstone and Eska.

Acclaimed singer and Ella Fitzgerald devotee, Mara Carlyle, examines the life and vocal magnificence of the most beloved of jazz singers - marking the centenary of her birth. 

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 BBC Radio 4.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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