I grew up on the Luther Vandross rendition of “A House Is Not A Home”. Today, November 4, 2024, I learned Ella Fitzgerald had her own rendition of “A House Is Not A Home”. This is such a beautiful performance.
@@nathanxx_x There needs to be a channel for just original performances that reference subsequent popular covers. I love R&Roll and Girls Just Want to Have Fun, etc. which I recently found out were covers. 😲
December 1, 2024 and this is my first time knowing that Ella Fitzgerald had origins of this song. I have listened to lots of her music over the years. Thanks for suggesting youtube...thanks to the poster for sharing.
I saw this beautiful, great lady in concert as a 27th birthday present to myself back in 1988. She was elderly, had to be helped onto the stage by two young men, and sat on a stool during the entire performance. Her voice filled the air. I was so blessed to have seen her in concert. Not long after, she had a leg amputation, her health deteriorated, and she passed away in 1996. No one will ever be like her. A legend. Rest In Peace. 🧡🧡🙏🙏
🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👸🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾All hail The Queen of Song! You were blessed to attend an Ella Fitzgerald concert, which is the only concert that I would ever truly treasure as my Mt. Everest concert. Just to see Ella Fitzgerald in the flesh and to hear her sing would have been my penultimate cultural experience. 😊❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
So I’m not the only one, in November 2024 (the 8th), that had this beautiful selection in my UA-cam recommendations. I’m an early 70s child, who grew up only hearing the famous interpretation by none other than Luther Vandross. That is, not to take away from the incomparable, phenomenal Ella Fitzgerald. Thanks YT for sharing this piece of historical, musical art. 🎤🎼🎵🎶📺🤩🥰
I'm a 70s/80s kid, and YT just introduced me to Ella's rendition tonight, 22 November 2024. I love it, and I've always enjoyed her music, but I prefer Luther's version. I hope UA-cam keeps showing me Ella's performances, though. I'm ready for it!
This is a strange....lots of 70s folks coming together here & now to hear the incomparable Miss Ella singing this beautiful song... Just what I needed to pop up like a gift for my battered spirit...2024 ending on a v unhappy note. Made so much better by Ellas soothing voice
The only time I was fortunate enough to see Ella Fitzgerald perform was at one of her last appearances ever at the Hollywood Bowl, August 13,1992. They turned out all the lights, and brought her out. The lights came up and she was sitting in a chair, center stage. By this time, suffering from diabetes, she'd lost one of her legs (both by 1993). The house was packed. She opened with “A House is Not a Home,” and she talked a bit before starting. She said, "I don't know why people love this song so much, but I'm going to do it for you..." trailing off. Then, she started singing it, and it was just as good as she had ever done it. It was so great. The acoustics were good...The Hollywood Bowl is such an amazing place to see any artist. The orchestra backing her was awesome. The weather was perfect. At that very point, there could not have been a more perfect place to be on this earth. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. People were just watching her whole set with tears streaming down their faces, me included. It was a night I will never forget as long as I live. I still get goosebumps and a little choked up when I think about it or tell this story.
WOW! Did NOT realize there was a previous version of this song!! And of ALL people, the eloquent Ella Fitzgerald. Trust, I'm NO spring chicken lol but I've never come across this before today, Nov 29, 2024. Well I'll be damned.
Dear Ella has always been my #1 favorite singer. She honestly has the most beautifully smooth voices ever. And, she is the only vocalist who could add jazz scat to a pop song, making it sound as if it was written for the song, and could pull it off with perfection! Several years back when Queen Latifah starred as Bessie Smith in “The Bessie Smith Story”, and did a jazz vocalist skit on Saturday Night Live a year or so before “Bessie”. And, it got me to thinking. So, I wrote an article for my old Facebook musical lovers group page, all about how Queen Latifah should play Ella in an Ella Fitzgerald biopic. She’s just about the same size, vocal range, buttery smooth voice that could melt even the Titanic iceberg! And, Queenie proved that she’s able to imitate other vocalists. I think she would be amazing. And, you are most definitely dead center bullseye on your comment!
Ask the musicians and they'd say that was Billie. Ella was fabulous but the beauty of her voice and her awareness of it sometimes gets in the way of the music. Not to the same extent as Sarah Vaughan, but nevertheless. She's too conscious or her skill and never had Billie's ability to possess a song - in a way that made all subsequent performances seem like covers of her version. Ella's was the most beautiful voice in jazz but not the most important.
@@nickberry8329 Which musicians? I know many musicians (from Duke Ellington and Andre Previn to Natalie Cole and Peggy Lee) who regard Ella Fitzgerald as the most important or as the greatest jazz vocalist ever. Ella never wanted to posses a song because she believed a singer should serve a song and not vice versa - that's why she is a classical singer who will be appreciated in 150 years.
@@Castorp-wn7dh Well, Ella wasn't a classical singer, but let's leave that to one side. I have it from the mouths of Sweets Edison and Ray Brown personally, and Sinatra always said Billie was the benchmark. And unlike Ella, she never decended into scat, which is precisely the singer exploiting the song for his/her own ends (Louis being the exception that proves the rule). Cole Porter once publicly chastised Sinatra for messing with one of his melodies. No one served the song like Billie which is why she ended up owning what she sang in the same way as Nina Simone did. Another way of referring to that might be artistic integrity. Listen to both of them singing "I Loves You Porgy". Two different versions that both feel like truths. Ella was a magnificent singer but not on the same level as an artist as Billie or Nina. She was Renate Tebaldi to Billie's Maria Callas.
@@nickberry8329Thank you for your reply and let me reply once again to your statements. With regard to St. 1 (Ella isn't a classical singer): if being a classical singer means going through classical vocal education (like opera singers), singing classical music repertoire or just being able to read sheet music, then Ella isn't a classical singer (by the way, Caruso and Pavarotti couldn't read music as well). If being a classical singer means representing an exemplary standard within a certain musical style or genre that is being universally recognised by connoisseurs and general audience, then Ella is a classical singer (the best example is her representation of the American Songbook). With regard to St. 2 (Billie is a benchmark): I agree but so is Ella, Sarah, Nina etc. Frank Sinatra said in 1959. interview: "Ella Fitzgerald is the only performer with whom I've ever worked who made me nervous. Because I try to work up to what she does. You know, try to pull myself up to that height - because I believe she is the greatest popular singer in the world, barring none, male or female" (keep in mind that Frank said this in 1959. when he was on the top of his vocal and artistic height). With regard to Ella's everlasting influence and importance, many modern pop and jazz singers recognize Ella as their biggest role model or one of the biggest (Adele, Lady Gaga, Lana del Rey, Kandace Springs etc.). With regard to St. 3 (Ella was exploiting the song for her own ends when she was doing scat): most of Ella's studio recorded songs were delivered without any scat. When she did scat, I would not say it was an exploitation of a song for her own ends, but an example of masterfull vocal improvisation, using a voice like an instrument rather than a speaking medium. You may like it or not, but scat is an epitome of jazz vocal artistry that enriches the vocal performance of a song by improvising the melodies and rhythm. If this is an exploitation of a song, then all jazz is an exploitation art. With regard to St. 4 (Bille had artistic integrity because she served the song and nobody did it like her): It would take a dissertation to explain what it means to serve a song and we would still probably disagree. However, let me quote Wynton Marsalis to give you just a glimpse of how I understand serving a song: "She (Ella) sang perfectly in tune. She can deliver a lyric better than anyone who has ever lived. She had a type of soulfulness you could not define - it was classic and pure. And that's what Duke (Ellington) liked". With regard to St. 5 (Ella was not a great artist as Billie or Nina, but "only" a magnificent singer): in my opinion, Ella was at least as great artist as Billie or Nina and probably even greater: (i) look at my previous replies to your statements; (ii) Ella was not only a great vocalist, but she could also deliver a song with great stylistic intelligence and emotional expression (you imply that a song performed by Billie or Nina feels more truthful than Ella's perfomance - this is a highly subjective opinion because very often I feel truth in Ella's performances more than I do in Billie's or Nina's). Ella can make me cry AND smile, unlike Billie who is not notorious for making people happy with her songs. By the way, why should we count only (or primarily) sorrow and pain as epitome of emotional expression, as some people who favour Bille over Ella often imply? Happines is also a very important emotion and it takes a great artistry to express it through your voice (maybe it's even more difficult when you had a somewhat miserable life like Ella); (iii) I can give you numerous examples where Ella performed the same song in a completely different manner (Billie and Nina did not have that interpretative ability because they were vocaly inferior to Ella); (iv) Ella started as a swing singer, moved to bebop, she sang perfect scat, was an extraordinary jazz vocalist and had no fear of modern material as the 1960s and 70s came along. From the Blues to bossa nova and calypsos to carols she imbued all with her unique voice, sounding forever young (Billie and Nina don't come even close to Ella's artistic diversity); (v) Ella won 13 Grammy Awards (20 nominations) and she still holds a single all time record: she is the female artist with the most recordings (8) in the Grammy Hall of Fame. I suppose it is a hommage to Ella's aristry not only as a mere vocalist (technician) but as an interpreter of great american songs as well. With regard to St. 6 (Ella and Billie are like Tebaldi and Callas): probably the only thing Bille and Maria have in common is the emotional covering of the lyrics (beside their miserable life and legendary stardom status). Ella has more in common with Callas than Bille: (i) Callas was able to sing very well different operatic genres (from Bellini to Verdi, from lyric to dramatic roles, from belcanto to verismo) because she had great vocal technique, just like Ella was able to sing different materials with a great authority; (ii) Callas had a beautifull voice (maybe not like Tebaldi), but I hardly hear anyone saying Billie has a beautifull voice, unlike Ella who univocally posseses one of the most beautifull voices ever; (iii) Callas was somehow greater than opera, just like Pavarotti, i.e. people who don't usually listen to opera higly appreciate and favor their performances. Bille never achieved an universal appeal to general audience outside the jazz genre like Ella did (she sold more than 40 million records). Why? Because Ella's voice has an universal quality and that's what also makes it a classical voice that will be appreciated in centuries to come. By the way, in 2015. BBC listeners voted the greatest jazz ARTISTS of all time: 1. Miles Davis, 2. Louis Armstrong, 3. Duke Ellington, 4. John Coltrane, 5. ELLA FITZGERALD, 6. Charlie Parker, 7. BILLIE HOLLIDAY etc. Because of all this (and some other things) I believe Ella has the most important Voice in the world of jazz ever. Billie? I believe she holds an honourable second place. Maybe someone can convince me that Billie AND Ella are two equally most important jazz voices ever (so far nobody did that, but I am opened to that possibility). But to say Billie is more important than Ella or to say that Bille is greater artist than Ella - I would strongly disagree with this statement even if Bille was my all time favorite singer!
@@Castorp-wn7dh Wow, thanks for the essay. If you mention Callas and Pavarotti in the same context, you don't get it. OK, think Hank Williams vs. Chet Atkins. Callas wouldn't be in the top 20 top female opera voices of all time for vocal beauty, but she had more influence on her art than any singer since Chaliapin. And if you believe polls, you'll believe that "Imagine" was the No.1 or No.3 best song ever written, depending on your preferred poll. But hey, I'm just a singer, so what do I know?
2020 Silly me . . . when I had first heard Luther Vandross rendition in the 80s, I had thought it was an original . . . then someone had told me about Dionne Warwick's . . . then I had learned since . . . Brook Benton, Jackie Wilson, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRAE, SONNY ROLLINS, so many before/after has recorded this song . . .and now, ELLA FITZGERALD . . . . WOW!!!
The other versions are excellent; especially Dusty with Burt, but this one really made me cry... incredible extra dimensions (and additional verse compared with the male versions)
Today is Sunday, December 15,2024(12:20am PT)and this was a suggestion from UA-cam. I’m an Ella Fitzgerald fan but I can’t say if I have never heard this song before, but I’m glad I listened to it today. Such a lovely voice.
A musical marvel; her tone, her range, her emotion, and her connection to the music and the lyrics. We miss you dear Ella; your music will be loved for the ages...
Parents and grand parents played each version Dionne ella Luther is my error but I most deffently new about the others there was always music in my house and in my grandparents house
Mesmerizing!!! Ms. Ella can SING!!! Had the privilege of seeing her sing at a Children's Hospital Benefit. I was young but gained so much appreciation for her singing - WOW!!!
I'm so glad this was posted. I've always Ioved this song so much as I first heard Dionne Warwick's version years ago. I fell in love at the age of 13 years old and I understood what this song meant. Once we got married I really felt a different sense of appreciation for this song. I'm 64 years old now and have gone through tough times here and there but I'm still married to and still in love with this same man. Knowing one day we will have to part is very sad. Home means everything with the one you truly love.
Unlike many other versions of this incredible song, Ella realises that a melody this wonderful should just be sung without too much embellishment & not shouted. Beautiful.
houseofhits1 but she does shout some, her style is a combination of shout and straight singing. This song is better sung as a lullaby, not uptempo, I think thats what you mean. As an aside, If you listen to the different sets recorded on her '69 tour, you'll notice they were completely rehearsed and performed almost note for note the same, at every date.
I think “shouting” is another form of Interpreting this song , it’s just as legitimate as singing it as a lullaby. The listener and audience at large will decide what they like or becomes popular.
Clearly you can’t be black. Pretty sure you mistakes “soul” for shouting, too much embellishment my ass 7 years later this still stupidest thing I’ve ever read
60 yrs of life and this is first time I've heard Miss Ella version, thought Luther was first. I feel like kids who hear sampled songs thinking their originals.
Thee amazing Ella!!! Love you Mrs. Victoria Harris thank you for believing in us..20uears 17 married! Thank you for a beautiful day!! #Harrissquad 4life.......🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
A chair still a chair Even when there's no-one sitting there A chair is not a house And a house is not a home When there's no-one there to hold you tight And no-one there you can kiss goodnight A room still a room Even when there's nothing there but gloom A room is not a house And a house is not a home When the two of us are far apart And one of us has a broken heart Now and then I speak your name And suddenly your face appears But it's just a crazy game When it ends, it ends in tears Darling, have a heart Don't let one mistake keep us apart I'm not meant to live alone Turn this house into a home When I climb the stairs And turn the key Oh, please be there Still in love with me It’s so nice to have a man around the house It’s so nice to have a man around the house I'm not meant to live alone Turn this house into a home When I climb the stairs And turn the key Oh, please be there Still in love with me A house is not a home A home is not a house A house is not a home and a home is not a house Without a man
That run at 1:06…. Her voice was like the acrobatic runs of a saxophone, the ambient tinge of a muted trumpet, the fluid slide of a trombone, a whole jazz combo in one pitch perfect voice…. No one brought more finesse, class and emotion to the American Song Book like Ella Fitzgerald…
While Fitzgerald was universally praised for her amazing musicality - she wasn't called the first lady of song for nothing - she was sometimes knocked for not connecting enough with her material, emotionally. I don't think anyone could level that criticism against her here, however - she really gets right to the emotional heart of this piece.
I almost left this earth thinking this was made for Luther. She did her thang with this here!!!! And back in those times with separate water fountains....adds to the loneliness this song holds. 😔
Some songs are just beautiful on their own Even bad singers can't mess them up. Dionne did a great job originally. Ella did it very well in a slow jazz manner. But Luther is still the king of this song all day, all night ,every day and every night.
Ella s voice is liquid gold , goose bumps and tears ,of joy and pain , If you love this song , please listen also to sugar Minot reggae version lovers rock classic , another gem … Big love to Burt Bacharach.
Here trills are butter im 25 years old and ella Fitzgerald is one of me ultimate fav singers of all time I wish we had jazz/blues restaurants and bars open these days
Who knew except those that do? Dionne Warwick also sang this song, by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, but Ella’s and Luther’s rendition is magnificent!!! So glad to hear this, today!
History has a way of repeating itself. This young lady took this song to another level. As a young man and even now I love Luther Vandross songs. And now there is a confirmation that all of the greats have to learn from someone.
1:56 "Just, have a heart. Don't let one mistake keep us apart... When I climb the stairs and turn the key - oh please be there..." Wow 😢 These kinds of songs and lyrics encouraged us to make an effort in our homes, to forgive and value our loved ones, the ones we live with. Brava! ❤
Ella Fitzgerald, an American treasure. We are so blessed to be able to view this performance. Incredible. Thank you Ms. Warwick and Mr. Vandross for your renditions.
Many entertainers sang these songs. In the 60’s and 70’s many artists would sing the same song. This way you could hear your favorite song by your favorite artist. If you have Apple Music just put in a title and you’ll see several of the greats singing same songs. This classic was written by a very great composer named Burt Bacharach 1964. Fyi and was a big hit!!!
The original singer of this Song was Dionne Warwick in 1964. But each person put their love into it. And the late GREAT Mama Ella is not exception to the rule, but she turn the rule on it's ear. But give Dionne a listen, her voice is like light shinning thtough pure crystal. I like Karen Carpenter's version too.
Before Ella Fitzgerald passed away on the 15th of June in 1996, may she rest in peace, too, Ella was such a great singer. I really love her music and have an album with 3 music cds. I forgot the name of it. It's ok, I will and next time I post a comment. Anyways, I also love this good "How you feel" song that's true in a way. A house isn't always a home, either. Way to go still for Ella and her other great songs!
I come from Poland and I think she had beautiful voice. First Lady of Polish Song said that she love hearing Ella Fitzgerald, because she had something magic in her voice. And I think, that is true.
Mateusz Matusiak That, and her "muse" that made for the perfect improvisations. Do you know what I mean? The greats can tap into it, it's a spiritual genius thing, that works when the performer surrenders to it in performance, like automatic writing.
I miss the good old days when singers were really talented and didn't have to shake their body to share their musical talent with people. They used the gift God gave them: their pure voice. They were literally pouring their heart in their music. And even if i wasn't born at this time, i Thank God for giving me the chance to discover musical jewels like Ella Fitzgerald. She was so talented, and her voice is so smooth. RIP Ella , i love your voice dearly.
Simply beautiful. There was certainly a real charm about Ella that modern singers cannot match. Luther's version takes this song to the next level though. He was an incredible singer. One of the best.
![Billie Holiday - "Strange Fruit" Live 1959 [Reelin' In The Years Archives]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-DGY9HvChXk/mqdefault.jpg)
I grew up on the Luther Vandross rendition of “A House Is Not A Home”. Today, November 4, 2024, I learned Ella Fitzgerald had her own rendition of “A House Is Not A Home”. This is such a beautiful performance.
Same here. I had no clue until just now.
🌈Yep...I grew up listening to Miss Dionne's version but, who knew ❣❣❣
Dione Warwick as well
Same here.😊😊
Same!
Wow never knew she made this! Glad I found this in 2024!
Ms. Dionne Warwick was actually the original singer
@@nathanxx_x There needs to be a channel for just original performances that reference subsequent popular covers. I love R&Roll and Girls Just Want to Have Fun, etc. which I recently found out were covers. 😲
🙋♀️
It was written by Burt Bacharach@@EnchantedAnn
same here!
December 1, 2024 and this is my first time knowing that Ella Fitzgerald had origins of this song. I have listened to lots of her music over the years. Thanks for suggesting youtube...thanks to the poster for sharing.
Having the same experience. Even went and told my mom about it 😂. Love this rendition ❤.
Dionne Warwick was the first to sing this song in 1968
I've only heard the rendition done by Luther Vandross!!!
Dec. 8,2024 the first time I’ve ever heard this rendition and I love it 🤎
@@RamonaWilliams-jt2ul first released by Luther's idol Dionne Warwick.
I saw this beautiful, great lady in concert as a 27th birthday present to myself back in 1988. She was elderly, had to be helped onto the stage by two young men, and sat on a stool during the entire performance. Her voice filled the air. I was so blessed to have seen her in concert. Not long after, she had a leg amputation, her health deteriorated, and she passed away in 1996. No one will ever be like her. A legend. Rest In Peace. 🧡🧡🙏🙏
Wow. You are one of the lucky ones
I also saw her that year at the Royal Albert hall. I was 27 yo. Still listening to her aged 63
LEGEND INDEED
❤❤❤❤❤
🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👸🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾All hail The Queen of Song!
You were blessed to attend an Ella Fitzgerald concert, which is the only concert that I would ever truly treasure as my Mt. Everest concert.
Just to see Ella Fitzgerald in the flesh and to hear her sing would have been my penultimate cultural experience. 😊❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
December 18, 2024 and I'm just hearing this song from her. All this time I thought Luther was the first to sing. Love both artist and both versions.
I am too!
Same
Each singer gave it their own stamp. Ella's captures the longing.
Well said my dear
Very well said.
Beautifully put.
I agree!
So I’m not the only one, in November 2024 (the 8th), that had this beautiful selection in my UA-cam recommendations.
I’m an early 70s child, who grew up only hearing the famous interpretation by none other than Luther Vandross. That is, not to take away from the incomparable, phenomenal Ella Fitzgerald.
Thanks YT for sharing this piece of historical, musical art.
🎤🎼🎵🎶📺🤩🥰
Beautiful rendition I love Ms. Ella's phenomenal voice grew up listening to her growing up still here on Nov 12, 2024✌️🏾🫶🏾
Nov 22nd 2024 lol
Every singer interpreted the song in their unique way, and each rendition is incredibly moving.
I'm a 70s/80s kid, and YT just introduced me to Ella's rendition tonight, 22 November 2024. I love it, and I've always enjoyed her music, but I prefer Luther's version.
I hope UA-cam keeps showing me Ella's performances, though. I'm ready for it!
This is a strange....lots of 70s folks coming together here & now to hear the incomparable
Miss Ella singing this beautiful song...
Just what I needed to pop up like a gift for my battered spirit...2024 ending on a v unhappy note. Made so much better by Ellas soothing voice
The only time I was fortunate enough to see Ella Fitzgerald perform was at one of her last appearances ever at the Hollywood Bowl, August 13,1992. They turned out all the lights, and brought her out. The lights came up and she was sitting in a chair, center stage. By this time, suffering from diabetes, she'd lost one of her legs (both by 1993). The house was packed. She opened with “A House is Not a Home,” and she talked a bit before starting. She said, "I don't know why people love this song so much, but I'm going to do it for you..." trailing off. Then, she started singing it, and it was just as good as she had ever done it. It was so great. The acoustics were good...The Hollywood Bowl is such an amazing place to see any artist. The orchestra backing her was awesome. The weather was perfect. At that very point, there could not have been a more perfect place to be on this earth. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. People were just watching her whole set with tears streaming down their faces, me included. It was a night I will never forget as long as I live. I still get goosebumps and a
little choked up when I think about it or tell this story.
Love it, thanx for sharing!! #COOL Plain an simple!!🎤🎧
I was there too
You painted the picture perfectly, I feel like I was there lol. I always tear up listening to this angel sing
You are the most lucky woman in the worls ..thanks for charing
Thank you for sharing this precious experience.
Ladies and gentlemen ... the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald. Nobody does it better.
WOW! Did NOT realize there was a previous version of this song!! And of ALL people, the eloquent Ella Fitzgerald. Trust, I'm NO spring chicken lol but I've never come across this before today, Nov 29, 2024. Well I'll be damned.
The original was released in 1964 by Dionne Warwick
This classic has been covered by at least 10 different recording artists down through the years
Ooo wee!! First time I heard her sing this. Of course she owned it! The greatest, the legend, Ella. ❤
So glad for UA-cam so we can see performances such as this.
December 13th is when I first heard this version. Washington, DC.
What a treat. It just popped up as a suggestion. UA-cam got this one right!!!
Same! It was a UA-cam suggestion!
Lord have mercy, there are many great, great singers, but no one surpasses Ella.
That is so true💕
Amen!
Dear Ella has always been my #1 favorite singer. She honestly has the most beautifully smooth voices ever. And, she is the only vocalist who could add jazz scat to a pop song, making it sound as if it was written for the song, and could pull it off with perfection!
Several years back when Queen Latifah starred as Bessie Smith in “The Bessie Smith Story”, and did a jazz vocalist skit on Saturday Night Live a year or so before “Bessie”. And, it got me to thinking. So, I wrote an article for my old Facebook musical lovers group page, all about how Queen Latifah should play Ella in an Ella Fitzgerald biopic. She’s just about the same size, vocal range, buttery smooth voice that could melt even the Titanic iceberg! And, Queenie proved that she’s able to imitate other vocalists. I think she would be amazing.
And, you are most definitely dead center bullseye on your comment!
I agree 💯
Couldn't agree more! XXX
The most important Voice in the world of jazz ever
Ask the musicians and they'd say that was Billie. Ella was fabulous but the beauty of her voice and her awareness of it sometimes gets in the way of the music. Not to the same extent as Sarah Vaughan, but nevertheless. She's too conscious or her skill and never had Billie's ability to possess a song - in a way that made all subsequent performances seem like covers of her version. Ella's was the most beautiful voice in jazz but not the most important.
@@nickberry8329 Which musicians? I know many musicians (from Duke Ellington and Andre Previn to Natalie Cole and Peggy Lee) who regard Ella Fitzgerald as the most important or as the greatest jazz vocalist ever. Ella never wanted to posses a song because she believed a singer should serve a song and not vice versa - that's why she is a classical singer who will be appreciated in 150 years.
@@Castorp-wn7dh Well, Ella wasn't a classical singer, but let's leave that to one side. I have it from the mouths of Sweets Edison and Ray Brown personally, and Sinatra always said Billie was the benchmark. And unlike Ella, she never decended into scat, which is precisely the singer exploiting the song for his/her own ends (Louis being the exception that proves the rule). Cole Porter once publicly chastised Sinatra for messing with one of his melodies. No one served the song like Billie which is why she ended up owning what she sang in the same way as Nina Simone did. Another way of referring to that might be artistic integrity. Listen to both of them singing "I Loves You Porgy". Two different versions that both feel like truths. Ella was a magnificent singer but not on the same level as an artist as Billie or Nina. She was Renate Tebaldi to Billie's Maria Callas.
@@nickberry8329Thank you for your reply and let me reply once again to your statements. With regard to St. 1 (Ella isn't a classical singer): if being a classical singer means going through classical vocal education (like opera singers), singing classical music repertoire or just being able to read sheet music, then Ella isn't a classical singer (by the way, Caruso and Pavarotti couldn't read music as well). If being a classical singer means representing an exemplary standard within a certain musical style or genre that is being universally recognised by connoisseurs and general audience, then Ella is a classical singer (the best example is her representation of the American Songbook). With regard to St. 2 (Billie is a benchmark): I agree but so is Ella, Sarah, Nina etc. Frank Sinatra said in 1959. interview: "Ella Fitzgerald is the only performer with whom I've ever worked who made me nervous. Because I try to work up to what she does. You know, try to pull myself up to that height - because I believe she is the greatest popular singer in the world, barring none, male or female" (keep in mind that Frank said this in 1959. when he was on the top of his vocal and artistic height). With regard to Ella's everlasting influence and importance, many modern pop and jazz singers recognize Ella as their biggest role model or one of the biggest (Adele, Lady Gaga, Lana del Rey, Kandace Springs etc.). With regard to St. 3 (Ella was exploiting the song for her own ends when she was doing scat): most of Ella's studio recorded songs were delivered without any scat. When she did scat, I would not say it was an exploitation of a song for her own ends, but an example of masterfull vocal improvisation, using a voice like an instrument rather than a speaking medium. You may like it or not, but scat is an epitome of jazz vocal artistry that enriches the vocal performance of a song by improvising the melodies and rhythm. If this is an exploitation of a song, then all jazz is an exploitation art. With regard to St. 4 (Bille had artistic integrity because she served the song and nobody did it like her): It would take a dissertation to explain what it means to serve a song and we would still probably disagree. However, let me quote Wynton Marsalis to give you just a glimpse of how I understand serving a song: "She (Ella) sang perfectly in tune. She can deliver a lyric better than anyone who has ever lived. She had a type of soulfulness you could not define - it was classic and pure. And that's what Duke (Ellington) liked". With regard to St. 5 (Ella was not a great artist as Billie or Nina, but "only" a magnificent singer): in my opinion, Ella was at least as great artist as Billie or Nina and probably even greater: (i) look at my previous replies to your statements; (ii) Ella was not only a great vocalist, but she could also deliver a song with great stylistic intelligence and emotional expression (you imply that a song performed by Billie or Nina feels more truthful than Ella's perfomance - this is a highly subjective opinion because very often I feel truth in Ella's performances more than I do in Billie's or Nina's). Ella can make me cry AND smile, unlike Billie who is not notorious for making people happy with her songs. By the way, why should we count only (or primarily) sorrow and pain as epitome of emotional expression, as some people who favour Bille over Ella often imply? Happines is also a very important emotion and it takes a great artistry to express it through your voice (maybe it's even more difficult when you had a somewhat miserable life like Ella); (iii) I can give you numerous examples where Ella performed the same song in a completely different manner (Billie and Nina did not have that interpretative ability because they were vocaly inferior to Ella); (iv) Ella started as a swing singer, moved to bebop, she sang perfect scat, was an extraordinary jazz vocalist and had no fear of modern material as the 1960s and 70s came along. From the Blues to bossa nova and calypsos to carols she imbued all with her unique voice, sounding forever young (Billie and Nina don't come even close to Ella's artistic diversity); (v) Ella won 13 Grammy Awards (20 nominations) and she still holds a single all time record: she is the female artist with the most recordings (8) in the Grammy Hall of Fame. I suppose it is a hommage to Ella's aristry not only as a mere vocalist (technician) but as an interpreter of great american songs as well. With regard to St. 6 (Ella and Billie are like Tebaldi and Callas): probably the only thing Bille and Maria have in common is the emotional covering of the lyrics (beside their miserable life and legendary stardom status). Ella has more in common with Callas than Bille: (i) Callas was able to sing very well different operatic genres (from Bellini to Verdi, from lyric to dramatic roles, from belcanto to verismo) because she had great vocal technique, just like Ella was able to sing different materials with a great authority; (ii) Callas had a beautifull voice (maybe not like Tebaldi), but I hardly hear anyone saying Billie has a beautifull voice, unlike Ella who univocally posseses one of the most beautifull voices ever; (iii) Callas was somehow greater than opera, just like Pavarotti, i.e. people who don't usually listen to opera higly appreciate and favor their performances. Bille never achieved an universal appeal to general audience outside the jazz genre like Ella did (she sold more than 40 million records). Why? Because Ella's voice has an universal quality and that's what also makes it a classical voice that will be appreciated in centuries to come. By the way, in 2015. BBC listeners voted the greatest jazz ARTISTS of all time: 1. Miles Davis, 2. Louis Armstrong, 3. Duke Ellington, 4. John Coltrane, 5. ELLA FITZGERALD, 6. Charlie Parker, 7. BILLIE HOLLIDAY etc. Because of all this (and some other things) I believe Ella has the most important Voice in the world of jazz ever. Billie? I believe she holds an honourable second place. Maybe someone can convince me that Billie AND Ella are two equally most important jazz voices ever (so far nobody did that, but I am opened to that possibility). But to say Billie is more important than Ella or to say that Bille is greater artist than Ella - I would strongly disagree with this statement even if Bille was my all time favorite singer!
@@Castorp-wn7dh Wow, thanks for the essay. If you mention Callas and Pavarotti in the same context, you don't get it. OK, think Hank Williams vs. Chet Atkins. Callas wouldn't be in the top 20 top female opera voices of all time for vocal beauty, but she had more influence on her art than any singer since Chaliapin. And if you believe polls, you'll believe that "Imagine" was the No.1 or No.3 best song ever written, depending on your preferred poll. But hey, I'm just a singer, so what do I know?
2020 Silly me . . . when I had first heard Luther Vandross rendition in the 80s, I had thought it was an original . . . then someone had told me about Dionne Warwick's . . . then I had learned since . . . Brook Benton, Jackie Wilson, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRAE, SONNY ROLLINS, so many before/after has recorded this song . . .and now, ELLA FITZGERALD . . . . WOW!!!
The other versions are excellent; especially Dusty with Burt, but this one really made me cry... incredible extra dimensions (and additional verse compared with the male versions)
Same here
So obviously Ella is the original singer?!! I was today years old when I found out while watching her documentary on Netflix!!!!
I just found out last week. I called my Moms and yelled at her for NOT telling me this!!!!!
Literally having this revelation right now after watching the Ella doc on Netflix. Mind is blown
Just a stunning women. Our first gift. She’s the true beginning, meaning and essence of jazz. Rest in forever paradise, angel.
She’s not the beginning of our music. She was a great singer though.
Today is Sunday, December 15,2024(12:20am PT)and this was a suggestion from UA-cam. I’m an Ella Fitzgerald fan but I can’t say if I have never heard this song before, but I’m glad I listened to it today. Such a lovely voice.
A musical marvel; her tone, her range, her emotion, and her connection to the music and the lyrics. We miss you dear Ella; your music will be loved for the ages...
THIS is a MASTERPIECE 🙌🏾👑👑👑👑❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
I thought Luther was the definitive version.....I was blind but now I see....❤
HA! Yeah...I thought the same thing about Dionne!!
Parents and grand parents played each version Dionne ella Luther is my error but I most deffently new about the others there was always music in my house and in my grandparents house
Wow , never knew she is so Fabulous 🎉
I love THE CARPENTERS VERSION ❤
Just got this gem of Ella Fritzgerald today Sat December 14,2024. Yes!
I sometimes never really hear a song until I've heard Ella sing it. God I wish she was still around.
TheClassics4me I agree. There are one or two contemporary contenders, like Madelyn Perraux..
@@douglassharpe55 NO
@@douglassharpe55 contender??? the blasphemy!
She's still around, indefinitely, as long as we are listening to her and know her name.
@@douglassharpe55 hell no
I feel so sad for the 10 people that disliked this....
It makes me laugh.
now 17 sad souls
It's called having no taste
Half probably by accident
Their houses are no homes… 😢
Beautiful version. I love the Dionne Warwick's/Burt Bacharach version, too.
I'm such a jazzhead, and hearing this from the great Ella Fitzgerald makes me appreciate jazz even more
I lost my wife in 07 and yes my home is very lonely after all these years 😢I miss you baby ❤️
I feel for you. x
Yes…It’s an ache that never goes away !
😢💔 That is true love. You will meet again
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
i'm blown away, never knew this existed, ! Thanks
Love this Ella Rendition❤ Timeless🎉
Mesmerizing!!! Ms. Ella can SING!!! Had the privilege of seeing her sing at a Children's Hospital Benefit. I was young but gained so much appreciation for her singing - WOW!!!
I'm so glad this was posted. I've always Ioved this song so much as I first heard Dionne Warwick's version years ago. I fell in love at the age of 13 years old and I understood what this song meant. Once we got married I really felt a different sense of appreciation for this song. I'm 64 years old now and have gone through tough times here and there but I'm still married to and still in love with this same man. Knowing one day we will have to part is very sad. Home means everything with the one you truly love.
Such a phenomenal talent. Love Ella Fitzgerald.s voice.
When she was a young singer there was no one who could sing as good as her.
Her voice was amazing and way before her time.
A young Sarah Vaughan had wonderful range and exquisite phrasing. She will always be my favourite.
There was a reason why she was called: "The First Lady of Song"!
👏🏾🙌🏾❤️🔥💖 Queen Ella Fitzgerald, Elegant, mesmerizing Songstress of Soul 🤩
Unlike many other versions of this incredible song, Ella realises that a melody this wonderful should just be sung without too much embellishment & not shouted. Beautiful.
houseofhits1 but she does shout some, her style is a combination of shout and straight singing. This song is better sung as a lullaby, not uptempo, I think thats what you mean. As an aside, If you listen to the different sets recorded on her '69 tour, you'll notice they were completely rehearsed and performed almost note for note the same, at every date.
I think “shouting” is another form of Interpreting this song , it’s just as legitimate as singing it as a lullaby. The listener and audience at large will decide what they like or becomes popular.
do you dislike Luther's version? it's full of embellishments.
Clearly you can’t be black. Pretty sure you mistakes “soul” for shouting, too much embellishment my ass 7 years later this still stupidest thing I’ve ever read
@@jones2277 that's what he's saying 😄😄😄
Appreciate the fact instead that it was so well written that each person could make it their own.
60 yrs of life and this is first time I've heard Miss Ella version, thought Luther was first. I feel like kids who hear sampled songs thinking their originals.
Both! Man and Woman! Bravo! 👏👏👏
I had no idea that Ms. Fitzgerald did this song, so beautiful. Thank you for sharing, continued love, blessings and music.
I was surprised Dionne did it now Ella. How beautiful-this song still lives
@annettebaptiste5983
Not only did Dionne sing it she originally recorded it. All the others are covers.
Live, with an audience. No retakes. No special effects. No 'production'.
Pure talent. Pure heart.
@phalenopsis1, thank you for posting this treasure!
YouzTube99 And no cell phones.
@@andrewwilson2143 Good point. An audience focused on the on the artists, in the moment, add so much to the experience.
Pure Ella. Need we say more? Excelente
Ella is the only lady that could sing any song or tune, truly phenomenal
This is my first time hearing Miss Ella Fitzgerald sing this song. She sings it beautifully. ❤️
December 18, 2024.
Wow!! I had zero idea anyone but the late great Luther Vandross mastered this song! Ms. Fitzgerald was a phenomenal singer! Wow, just wow!!!!
I absolutely love this rendition by Ella❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥
Wow, this is my first time knowing that there was another version. I love Lady Ella. It’s December 13, 2024.
Wow this is crazy man I have never heard this before I'm losing my mind Ella Fitzgerald😮
Utterly beautiful. Thank you Miss Ella ❤
The late great Ms. Ella Fitzgerald ❤ supreme and superb vocalist. .
i agree
She and Luther Vandross make it look
So Good, So Easy.
Wow...never new this rendition...
May they both rest in eternal peace...❤
Simply Beautiful. This is my 1st time hearing this version by Ella Fitzgerald.❤
😮😮😮😮WOW!!!! I didn't know. This is Beautiful.
You can feel the blues in her voice. This rendition is a woman yearning for her man. Her pain is palpable.
Thee amazing Ella!!! Love you Mrs. Victoria Harris thank you for believing in us..20uears 17 married! Thank you for a beautiful day!! #Harrissquad 4life.......🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I saw her sing this live at Ravania the year before she passed, she was incredible.❤️❤️❤️
A chair still a chair
Even when there's no-one sitting there
A chair is not a house
And a house is not a home
When there's no-one there to hold you tight
And no-one there you can kiss goodnight
A room still a room
Even when there's nothing there but gloom
A room is not a house
And a house is not a home
When the two of us are far apart
And one of us has a broken heart
Now and then I speak your name
And suddenly your face appears
But it's just a crazy game
When it ends, it ends in tears
Darling, have a heart
Don't let one mistake keep us apart
I'm not meant to live alone
Turn this house into a home
When I climb the stairs
And turn the key
Oh, please be there
Still in love with me
It’s so nice to have a man around the house
It’s so nice to have a man around the house
I'm not meant to live alone
Turn this house into a home
When I climb the stairs
And turn the key
Oh, please be there
Still in love with me
A house is not a home
A home is not a house
A house is not a home and a home is not a house
Without a man
This Without a Man part BLEW me away.
Luther left that out LOL Had to rewind that part several times
Thank so match ❤
Achingly beautiful.
Let us not linger too long…for loneliness is enough all on its own.
Pure velvet….
Sensual and relaxing!
Great Ella!❤🇮🇹🌹🇬🇧
That run at 1:06…. Her voice was like the acrobatic runs of a saxophone, the ambient tinge of a muted trumpet, the fluid slide of a trombone, a whole jazz combo in one pitch perfect voice…. No one brought more finesse, class and emotion to the American Song Book like Ella Fitzgerald…
Love Ella Fitzgerald. Yes, she sang it beautifully before Luther and Dionne Warwick sang it before Ella. I still listen to Ella Fitzgerald 2024❤
While Fitzgerald was universally praised for her amazing musicality - she wasn't called the first lady of song for nothing - she was sometimes knocked for not connecting enough with her material, emotionally. I don't think anyone could level that criticism against her here, however - she really gets right to the emotional heart of this piece.
She didn’t connect when she was doing too many concerts.
The grinding and hustling to survive can leave one a bit cold.
She has a beautiful voice! This song always brings me to tears! So hard to be alone. 😢😢
I almost left this earth thinking this was made for Luther. She did her thang with this here!!!! And back in those times with separate water fountains....adds to the loneliness this song holds. 😔
Some songs are just beautiful on their own
Even bad singers can't mess them up. Dionne did a great job originally. Ella did it very well in a slow jazz manner. But Luther is still the king of this song all day, all night ,every day and every night.
Ella s voice is liquid gold , goose bumps and tears ,of joy and pain ,
If you love this song , please listen also to sugar Minot reggae version lovers rock classic , another gem …
Big love to Burt Bacharach.
What a gift. Thank you for posting this. ❤
Here trills are butter im 25 years old and ella Fitzgerald is one of me ultimate fav singers of all time I wish we had jazz/blues restaurants and bars open these days
What an absolute TREASURE ❤
Perfection! R.I.P. Ella and Bacharach.
She was definitely one of the GREATEST singers of all time! RIP Ella ❤️🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Who knew except those that do? Dionne Warwick also sang this song, by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, but Ella’s and Luther’s rendition is magnificent!!! So glad to hear this, today!
History has a way of repeating itself. This young lady took this song to another level. As a young man and even now I love Luther Vandross songs. And now there is a confirmation that all of the greats have to learn from someone.
My favorite jazz voice! Love her voice! On key - pure - sunshine. Happiness!
This is glorious. I often listen to Dionne Warwick's version as it's so late night romantic and elegant.
Exquisite!!!!!
Ella gave it all. She never settled. Every note exquisite!!!!!
Flip Side I saw her perform until she almost passed out once....
This is so beautiful to see and hear. What magic she brought to us. The way she sings to us. I've melted.
1:56 "Just, have a heart. Don't let one mistake keep us apart... When I climb the stairs and turn the key - oh please be there..." Wow 😢
These kinds of songs and lyrics encouraged us to make an effort in our homes, to forgive and value our loved ones, the ones we live with. Brava! ❤
Ella Fitzgerald, an American treasure. We are so blessed to be able to view this performance. Incredible. Thank you Ms. Warwick and Mr. Vandross for your renditions.
alone on Christmas listening to this. 😢
Learn to love solitude
She's Magnificent!
Ella ‘s rendition of this song is classy and elegant
To date theirs no one who sounds like her at all 💯❣️
Luther live rendition still has me in a chokehold - TIGHT- Ella version fits the time, its magic - both are EVERYTHING
Many entertainers sang these songs. In the 60’s and 70’s many artists would sing the same song. This way you could hear your favorite song by your favorite artist. If you have Apple Music just put in a title and you’ll see several of the greats singing same songs. This classic was written by a very great composer named Burt Bacharach 1964. Fyi and was a big hit!!!
The original singer of this Song was Dionne Warwick in 1964. But each person put their love into it. And the late GREAT Mama Ella is not exception to the rule, but she turn the rule on it's ear. But give Dionne a listen, her voice is like light shinning thtough pure crystal. I like Karen Carpenter's version too.
Couldn't help but notice her earrings. No wonder they're so expensive. This style is truly legendary within itself.
That sounds sooooo good.
Listened 5 times in row. The voice of an angel 💜
Before Ella Fitzgerald passed away on the 15th of June in 1996, may she rest in peace, too, Ella was such a great singer. I really love her music and have an album with 3 music cds. I forgot the name of it. It's ok, I will and next time I post a comment. Anyways, I also love this good "How you feel" song that's true in a way. A house isn't always a home, either. Way to go still for Ella and her other great songs!
Just beautiful, her tone was buoyant❤
Love this song❤
A house is not a home without God and my honey GS jr in it😊🤗😘❤️
♥️ we are God’ building.
Thank you Lord…🕊️
I never knew Ella recorded this. I was looking for a good version as a Bacharach tribute today.
I come from Poland and I think she had beautiful voice. First Lady of Polish Song said that she love hearing Ella Fitzgerald, because she had something magic in her voice. And I think, that is true.
Mateusz Matusiak That, and her "muse" that made for the perfect improvisations. Do you know what I mean? The greats can tap into it, it's a spiritual genius thing, that works when the performer surrenders to it in performance, like automatic writing.
I miss the good old days when singers were really talented and didn't have to shake their body to share their musical talent with people. They used the gift God gave them: their pure voice.
They were literally pouring their heart in their music.
And even if i wasn't born at this time, i Thank God for giving me the chance to discover musical jewels like Ella Fitzgerald. She was so talented, and her voice is so smooth.
RIP Ella , i love your voice dearly.
Simply beautiful. There was certainly a real charm about Ella that modern singers cannot match. Luther's version takes this song to the next level though. He was an incredible singer. One of the best.
Exemplary delivery of this timeless ballad showcasing her legendary vocal prowess accompanied by an
Exquisite musical arrangement 🎶
Beautiful rendition ❤ that I never knew existed. Thanks so much posting this.
Absolutely love this song and what a voice wow beautiful beautiful ❤❤❤❤🎉
Had no idea this song was that old! Beautiful.
I forgot she sang this!!! Ella, Ella, Ella!!!❤❤