That's George Gershwin, kids. One of the greatest jazz composers of all time. This is a great illustration of the reason some of us older music addicts get so frustrated with the corporate-approved, focus group-generated, plastic pin up kid slop that passes for pop music these days.
@@larsbonzai, I thought I was being rather restrained!! Actually, it makes me really sad that our younger generations never find out about some of the music treasures of the past....because no one ever introduces them!
@@MichaelJones-sh7nu I agree, and that's what I love most about Jay & Amber doing these reaction videos. It's good to see that some people still appreciate the good ole stuff. (I don't bother watching other 'reactors' that often, because they aren't as articulate as J&A, but it's great knowing a lot of other people are also broadening their tastes)
One of my favorite Gershwin recordings is "The Man I Love," ua-cam.com/video/_l4CfOlJTw0/v-deo.html This was done by Sarah Vaughan, with Michael Tilson Thomas and the LA Philharmonic. The entire album is delicious and classic, but this song, running 9 minutes, is jaw dropping. Amber, if you love scatting, you will think you've gone to heaven.
Ella FitzGerald's voice is one of the greatest musical instruments ever. She had such unbelievable control and pitch. Plus she could scat like nobody else!!
Ella would be my pick too. Linda Ronstadt, very honorable mention. The thing about Ella is: her momma may have been good lookin'- but Ella wasn't. One of the few female singers to "make it" without looks as part of her package- meaning, she got by on that voice alone- it sounds so angelic you would think she had the face of an angel. But her voice was more than enough. And what range! And absolutely perfect pitch- always dead - on when she intended it to be. Good job- I loved it!
This song is from the opera "Porgy and Bess" written in the 1930's by George Gershwin. It was the first modern American opera, with an all black cast and story. I'm so glad you guys get and appreciate Louie and Ella so much, they were incomparable! Listen to their American Songbook albums, like "Ella and Louie sing Rodgers and Hart," or "sing Cole Porter." Amazing.
Ella is queen and Satchmo is king! Popular music owes such a debt to these two! The arrangement borrows a lot from the original. "Summertime" is from the folk opera "Porgy & Bess" that was written by George and Ira Gershwin... who also wrote tons of popular music that still stands the test of time. Good choice this one.
Oh, you’ll also love “Billie Holliday”….a vintage blues singer…her voice is very hard to describe. Try her version of “Autumn in New York”. Her voice reminds me of a female Louie. By the way, he was nicknamed “Sachmo”. 👍
Billie Holiday is a jazz singer, not a blues singer exactly, but is true that her style is very bluesy, and she can singing a blues song like nobody, that is true
I also think you would like "Broken Hearted Melody" by Sarah Vaughan ("Sassy/ The Divine One"). Upbeat, though certainly not at the Cole Porter level. Voice-wise, she was kind of like the Roberta Flack of her day (50's mainly).
I was 14 when I saw him in 1967, late in his career. After his concert, which was great, he stayed to sign autographs. I went to shake his hand and he took my hand in both of his and made me feel like a million bucks, like I was his biggest fan. He was really a special person and a musical genius!
This is from Porgy and Bess one of the greatest American musicals of all time. Consisting of an all black cast written by George and Ira Gershwin great song writers and composers of the Jazz Era
O as if they needed a back up orchestra ...they could've sang a capella and it would've been so sweet. However, the orchestral arrangement was so over the moon. Brilliantly done without overpowering them in the least.
PORGY was composed by George and Ira Gershwin, premiered in 1935 on Broadway.. Porgy and Bess IS without a doubt, the finest American Opera ever composed. Ella and Louis recorded a GREAT album of music from Porgy and Bess.. with scatting, louis Trumpet playing.. this album is terrific! Here is the youtube link ua-cam.com/play/PLM81rE1oXDgsAalB8TrLgGZmkJLNuby1c.html The entire Opera is here on Facebook too, (I posted it some years ago) One of the BEST musical LIVE productions ever.. Here's the link to see the entire opera, PORGY AND BESS - ua-cam.com/video/HdRTfqGy9TE/v-deo.html Enjoy! Oh, by the way...no movie of PORGY was made until 1959, but that production was not as good as this LIVE on stage production that I mentioned above. George Gershwin IS the greatest American Composer!~ Check out the Ella and Louis album that I mentioned above.. Simply Gorgeous music! Enjoy!
I saw them both live. This is my wheelhouse. I’m a DJ at a Jazz radio station. Louis is the architect. Louis invented modern singing. People don’t know how important Louis Armstrong is to modern music. All crooners all crooners came from Louis Armstrong. The way they sing they all owe a complete debt of gratitude all of them Frank, Dean, Bing….all of them. You are seeing him at age 57 but 35 years earlier he absolutely changed the world. That is no exaggeration. I hope you take my suggestion for two Louis Armstrong songs. West End Blues. Perhaps one of the most brilliant pieces of horn playing ever. Also a vocal of a song called Dinah! My dad took me to a concert at Disneyland my dad was a jazz saxophone player and I got to see Louis Armstrong when I was seven years old. Big effect! I’m going to send you guys a recording of all the works Ella and Louis did together so look out for it. Now about Ella Fitzgerald. She grew up hard and tough with a big heart her start was winning a talent contest at the Apollo theater.She was only 17…NowI’m going to make a suggestion about Ella. Please listen to it. It is a Ella Fitzgerald‘s version of a song called Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered.The studio version. You’ll be hearing eight of the most magical minutes of your life. I love that you guys are doing This music that’s where I come from. Bless you for playing Louis and Ella
@@sixpakshaker88 actually Buddy Bolden did but he was before recorded music. Louis was heavily influenced by Bolden as well as his first professional boss Joe Oliver, however Armstrong swept aside the tendency of multiple simultaneous playing to concentrate on the solo. He was indeed years ahead musically and melodically so he is “the first soloist of note” but Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young weren’t far behind.
"Summertime" is the opening Aria, of George Gershwin's Opera "Porgy and Bess" . You have stumbled onto one of the Great Composers of American Music . Gershwin will melt your heart!
It's rather sad that they don't talk about the composition of the music and the lyrics. This is an extraordinary rendition but a real magic behind summertime is the genius George Gershwin .
Hi you wonderful young couple thanks for the wonderful memories I have 2 boys one is 50 and the other is 45 and they grew up listening to to golden years of the Hollywood musicals ( 7 brides for 7 brothers- look for the barn dance scene and the scene where the lead Howard keel sings Bless your beautiful hide. Watch the Sound of music, My Fair Lady, Camelot, Paint Your Wagon.) you will literally be blown away oh! I can't forget 'Damn Yankees) so all the times my boys would roll their eyes and say oh mom! Now they can literally grab each other and whip out all the lyrics to those songs! It will take you to another level of your Show! Trust me LOL keep it up
Ella was the queen of scat, but when singing, her precision and phrasing were incomparable. Combine that with Louis Armstrong - the personification of the American dream - and the Gershwins, well, it just doesn't get any better. It is a real pleasure to see young people appreciate this.
You said a mouthful there, sir! I didn't hear Louie until I was 14. A buddy's parents were nuts about his stuff. My brother brought Ella, Billie and Eartha Kitt home from the Air Force on leave. Eartha Kitt was another Catwoman on Adam West's Batman TV show, but she did night club work on the side and in Paris, France later. Oh, I haven't looked for her stuff on UA-cam. I sure hope they have it for you. But, if they don't, there is all 3 of Batman's seasons.
My deceased husband loved Ella! He used to tell me, “no matter how old Ella gets, she always has the voice of a young woman.” Thank you! Love, from the Great State of Oklahoma, USA 🤍
Ella’s definitive live version of How High The Moon is almost 7 minutes of a history lesson on why she is one of the best singers to ever grace our ears. It’s a must listen for you both. ❤️❤️
My favorite singer! Ella Fitzgerald' is known as The First Lady of Song . I had the honor of seeing her in concert in 1988. Unfortunately Louis Armstrong died in 1971 when I was still a teenager and my friends werent into jazz
Best female performer and voice of the past century, hands down. Karen Carpenter is in the top bracket, and Amy Winehouse. But Ella is the absolute queen. And Louie's not a slacker, either! While I've never seen Ella live, my mother produced a concert for her in my hometown. It was near the end of Ella's life, and the entire afternoon of the technical rehearsal Ella seemed frail and old. Everyone was a little worried and sad. But according to my mother the moment she stepped out on that stage it was literally magical -- she was commanding and energetic and held the entire theatre in her spell. It was one of the peak experiences of my mom's life.
Miss Ella Fitzgerald did a jazz medley with Karen Carpenter back in 1980 on Carpenters' last TV special. It was great and would be awesome to see them react to!
Amber mentioned that it sounded like the opening of a movie. It was actually written as the opening of an opera, the first jazz opera, Porgy and Bess, by American genius George Gershwin. It has been covered literally hundreds of times. You chose one with jazz royalty. Ella had one of the most beautiful voices ever, and she was scatting well into her 70s. Louis was not just a jazz trumpet player, he pretty much invented it. Every horn player ever since refers back to his timing and his licks. And since Rock & Roll evolved from jazz and blues, there is a little bit of Louis in every rock song to this day.
This is probably the best reaction yet...This song is a beautiful classic, and no one can compare with Satchmo and Ella! It was a delight to watch you both melt, as the powerful music touched your souls! Love you guys! Blessings to you and your beautiful family!
I Second That Emotion (and that’s a recommended song title!)! I too am so glad for your enthusiasm for exploring where today’s music came from. That is what I find so delightful about your channel. I already know and love this kind of music, and it’s a treat to watch folks your age come to know and love it too.
Of all the voices I've ever heard, Ella is my favorite. I'll never forget the first time I heard her while perusing records in a record store. *She has an amazing life story.*
I saw Ella, Oscar, & Joe Pass, along with the Count Basie Orchestra -- One of the best concerts I ever saw!!! It was probably '75, & my then-fiance' & I went with my dad, who was a jazz musician (trumpet). After the show, my dad took us backstage where everyone knew him, & we got to meet them all. A few from Basie's band were longtime friends of my dad who I knew since my childhood, but even I was surprised, & super proud, to see how well-known & respected he was among that whole crowd. In fact, my dad, my fiance' & I were invited by members of the Basie band to join them the following evening at a local spot where they were playing a private party. All they asked in return was that my dad bring his trumpet & be ready to play. We went, & my fiance' & I spent the evening watching & listening to my dad with the Count Basie Band. That was one hell of a night!!!! ❤😀❤
@@lindadenton7407 Ella was just lovely! But my favorite celebrity meeting (& I feel fortunate to have had many) was with Dean Martin! More incredibly handsome in person than you can imagine, & quite kind & amicable & welcoming.
It is not just Louie's voice but the feeling, yes the passion, I would have loved to have met him, he seemed overflowing with energy but also love and grace. Ella is wonderful here at the beginning, but when Louie starts singing, that is another level on the feels
Major props to,”The Rob Squad” for this. Bing Crosby, ( for those that don’t know, look him up) said that “Louis Armstrong is the beginning and end of American music.” Popular music still uses song structures he created. There really aren’t any more words to describe these two legends. Two of the best there ever were. Full stop. Regards
Mr. Louis Armstrong, the Daddy of Jazz, and Ella Fitzgerald, Queen of Scat, are the two best of ALL TIME. They were both born with more talent than most people will ever have. They entertained people from all over the world. We miss them.
Ella is on the MT Rushmore of singers. Also Sarah Vaughn doing “MISTy” is spectacular as well. But Ella sang with them all. Sinatra, Martin, you name it.
They once did a commercial where Ella scatted for a bit, then held a high note for so long, her voice shattered a wineglass. (The ad was for recording tape, so they played the tape, broke another glass, and on the third one asked: "Is it live…or is it Memorex?" She was fantastic.
I saw Ella, but she was pretty old then; she still had that girlish quality about her. I got to see Mel Torme, though; he was a great jazz singer. I would have given anything to see Pops, a great man and musician.
Amber, I just wanted to say, you’re looking so beautiful and great since having the baby. ( not that you didn’t look good before) but you just look so great lately. If you’re not getting enough sleep.... you certainly can’t tell it! God bless young lady.
Isn’t it wonderful that recording allows us the hear these talented singers? I bet when we were living in caves, people like this existed. Singing their hearts out about the world as they saw it.
Ella & Louie sounds great together especially on this Gershwin tune from Porgy & Bess, a great musical. When the Beatles 1st hit the USA, they dominated the number one spot for months , then out of nowhere comes Louie Armstrong knocking the Beatles out of the number 1 spot back in 1964 with Hello Dolly.
@@lucindagoodwin3139 I think the Carpenters had a weekly TV show that only lasted about a year, summer replacement, maybe? It could be on that. It would be great if that show and Bobby Darin's summer replacement for Dean Martin was on UA-cam or one of them. Give you young folks a chance to see what you missed.
@@deannasisson5751 They had a summer replacement show in 1971. I remember because Rainy Days and Mondays had already been a hit. I watched that show every week.
Your next Ella reaction should be "Stompin' at the Savoy." Amazing scat singing, fun upbeat tune! "It's De-Lovely" is wonderful, "Mack the Knife" live in Berlin is amazing, everything Ella ever did was PERFECTION!
Two wonderful talents from a crooning generation. I would have loved to have been there for this production, a fly on the wall, as it were. Just listen to the sauce! As a short, pudgy, and white kid (born in 1955) I revered Mr. Armstrong. Ella has a pure smooth voice that unsurpassed. Thanks for this post. I needed the lift today!
We love Ella and of course Satchmo in our house! My son loved her so much that he wanted to marry her when he was about 12. Sadly she passed before he could propose 😉😉. He named his daughter Ella in honor of her. Love this song! It was from Porgy and Bess. Ella does some great scatting as well.
Ella Fitzgerald's Gershwin Songbook is worth it. One of my ALL TIME favorite compilations. Louie is amazing on the trumpet but if you want to dive deeper check out Miles Davis. He has a huge songbook but I recommend starting with Someday My Prince Will Come. So so so good.
Just watched a documentary on Ella Fitzgerald on Netflix. Unbelievable story for an unbelievable performer and how she went through a whole Lotta stuff and came out on top, this is a female Lil Bluesy crooner. This arrangement of summertime is exceptional, but it is a beautiful song
Most Louis Armstrong fans know about his passion for tape recording technology and he is likely the earliest person to record what we would come to know as a podcast today. In addition to recording his music and documenting his writing and composing process on tape he would have his recording equipment on at his house and openly record his thoughts as well as conversations with friends and guests. He recorded and documented thousands of hours of this type of material. This massive archive of tapes was kept by him and his widow and still survives today.
Ella is amazing! Louis is amazing! George Gershwin is amazing! Always loved this song. With the holidays coming up I thought I’d mention she did a couple Christmas albums. One of my favorites is “ What are you doing New Year’s Eve. “ Of course you can’t go wrong with anything from Ella.
Can you imagine this?!? This got radio airplay in the 1960s and 1970s.... This was entertainment on TV shows in those decades... Such GREAT talent..... Ella's voice is like honey on the ears! Her and Louie are PERFECT together.... PERFECT!! Good Lord! I am so glad you are checking out these great recordings....
I know I've heard THIS version before. But, hearing it again... here... I have to put this in my top 5 best recordings EVER. Louis, Ella, the orchestra, the song, the arrangement. Total package for the "W" !!! WOW! and thank you for reacting to it. Now to find the CD !!!
Louie and Ella have always been the true King and Queen of jazz, even though there are lots of other great artists that are great in their own right. But these two are the pinnacle, the standard that all others aspire to.
I actually met Ella Fitzgerald in 1974 at age 14 in the Green Room after a concert at Saint Catherine's College in St. Paul MN. My father had to work, so I actually took the bus and went there alone. Trumpeter Roy Eldridge opened the concert. Louis Armstrong influenced swing jazz trumpeter Roy Eldridge, who influenced bopper Dizzy Gillespie who played the bent trumpet with Charlie Bird Parker, creating early modern Jazz in the early 1940s. Ella Fitzgerald is my personal favorite Jazz singer.
Lou Rawls has a very similar tone to Louis Armstrong. He was big in the 70’s disco era with songs like “Lady Love” and “You’ll never find”. I think you will enjoy him 👍
Louie Armstrong and Lou Rawls are completely different singers. I saw Lou Rawls live and he was amazing. Louie Armstrong was just unique. Both different!
If you haven't yet, listen to Etta James - "At Last" and "I'd Rather Go Blind". As for Louis Armstrong - "Mack The Knife" , "Hello Dolly(live)" is a must.
That's George Gershwin, kids. One of the greatest jazz composers of all time. This is a great illustration of the reason some of us older music addicts get so frustrated with the corporate-approved, focus group-generated, plastic pin up kid slop that passes for pop music these days.
😂tell us how you really feel about today's music🤪
@@larsbonzai, I thought I was being rather restrained!! Actually, it makes me really sad that our younger generations never find out about some of the music treasures of the past....because no one ever introduces them!
@@MichaelJones-sh7nu I agree, and that's what I love most about Jay & Amber doing these reaction videos. It's good to see that some people still appreciate the good ole stuff. (I don't bother watching other 'reactors' that often, because they aren't as articulate as J&A, but it's great knowing a lot of other people are also broadening their tastes)
One of my favorite Gershwin recordings is "The Man I Love," ua-cam.com/video/_l4CfOlJTw0/v-deo.html This was done by Sarah Vaughan, with Michael Tilson Thomas and the LA Philharmonic. The entire album is delicious and classic, but this song, running 9 minutes, is jaw dropping. Amber, if you love scatting, you will think you've gone to heaven.
@@markhardwicke5345 Sarah Vaughan is a great suggestion, an amazing voice.
Ella FitzGerald's voice is one of the greatest musical instruments ever. She had such unbelievable control and pitch. Plus she could scat like nobody else!!
Queen and Supreme Ruler of Scatt❗️
SHE could also hit a certain note , that can break glass.
📻🙂
You're absolutely right. Her voice is one of the very best! Her scat can't be beat either.
Her version with Duke Ellington.. ❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🎶🎶🎶
ua-cam.com/video/kxfMRhyzu3g/v-deo.html
She invented scat. Literally.
Speaking of Ella being able to hit a note where her voice would break glass, wasn't there a TV commercial where she did just that?
Ella is considered, by many, to be the greatest female singer of all time.
Ella would be my pick too. Linda Ronstadt, very honorable mention. The thing about Ella is: her momma may have been good lookin'- but Ella wasn't. One of the few female singers to "make it" without looks as part of her package- meaning, she got by on that voice alone- it sounds so angelic you would think she had the face of an angel. But her voice was more than enough. And what range! And absolutely perfect pitch- always dead - on when she intended it to be. Good job- I loved it!
This song is from the opera "Porgy and Bess" written in the 1930's by George Gershwin. It was the first modern American opera, with an all black cast and story. I'm so glad you guys get and appreciate Louie and Ella so much, they were incomparable! Listen to their American Songbook albums, like "Ella and Louie sing Rodgers and Hart," or "sing Cole Porter." Amazing.
I knew this music, but couldn't place it. Thanks for pointing out it was Porgy and Bess. No one sang this better than Ella Fitzgerald.
One of my favorite stations on Pandora is Louie & Ella together. They are musical gold!
I remember the movie Porgy and Bess, beautiful music! Sad that it was pulled.
Ella is the GOAT of female singers. Musicians would tune their instruments to her voice. GOAT.
P.S. Another bluesy singer of that era would be Etta James. Start with “At Last”. 👍
Oh definitely! Etta's voice is stunning
Yes! We ask again: Etta next, "At Last".
YES!
Etta james but they should see song and this incredible performance
ua-cam.com/video/uZt1xKtPbUQ/v-deo.html
Been asking for that one for months! See they will get to it. One of my top five favorite songs.
Ella is queen and Satchmo is king! Popular music owes such a debt to these two! The arrangement borrows a lot from the original. "Summertime" is from the folk opera "Porgy & Bess" that was written by George and Ira Gershwin... who also wrote tons of popular music that still stands the test of time. Good choice this one.
J&A, You'll love Louis's "Hello Dolly"
The entire opera is amazing.
You can’t go wrong with Ella. Listen to her do Paper Moon, or when she forgets the lyrics of Mac The Knife. She is awesome.
I have looked everywhere for that musical and I can't find it. It was such a gripping movie adaptation.
This version is just a piece of art 🎭
And Karen Carpenter was queen after her!
Oh, you’ll also love “Billie Holliday”….a vintage blues singer…her voice is very hard to describe. Try her version of “Autumn in New York”. Her voice reminds me of a female Louie. By the way, he was nicknamed “Sachmo”. 👍
She is credited with inventing soulful singing. She was fantastic.
Billie Holliday is awesome... "Strange Fruit" is a particularly good song as well by Billie....
Billie Holiday is a jazz singer, not a blues singer exactly, but is true that her style is very bluesy, and she can singing a blues song like nobody, that is true
I also think you would like "Broken Hearted Melody" by Sarah Vaughan ("Sassy/ The Divine One"). Upbeat, though certainly not at the Cole Porter level. Voice-wise, she was kind of like the Roberta Flack of her day (50's mainly).
I also recommend "Lady Sings the Blues" and "Lover Man" as sung by Billie.
I was 14 when I saw him in 1967, late in his career. After his concert, which was great, he stayed to sign autographs. I went to shake his hand and he took my hand in both of his and made me feel like a million bucks, like I was his biggest fan. He was really a special person and a musical genius!
Beautiful story. I love Louis. Louis, the Beatles, the Sex Pistols. Three pivots in twentieth century music.
You got that right. Three pivotal moments in recorded music history.@@darrenw2890
The control that Ella has over her voice is amazing. The range, the dynamics, the natural vibrato, incredible
This is from Porgy and Bess one of the greatest American musicals of all time. Consisting of an all black cast written by George and Ira Gershwin great song writers and composers of the Jazz Era
Y'all definitely need to check it out. I think someone else already mentioned that there is a movie version from the 1930s.
O as if they needed a back up orchestra ...they could've sang a capella and it would've been so sweet. However, the orchestral arrangement was so over the moon. Brilliantly done without overpowering them in the least.
Lena Horne....stormy weather.
Porgy and Bess is a masterpiece.
PORGY was composed by George and Ira Gershwin, premiered in 1935 on Broadway.. Porgy and Bess IS without a doubt, the finest American Opera ever composed. Ella and Louis recorded a GREAT album of music from Porgy and Bess.. with scatting, louis Trumpet playing.. this album is terrific! Here is the youtube link ua-cam.com/play/PLM81rE1oXDgsAalB8TrLgGZmkJLNuby1c.html The entire Opera is here on Facebook too, (I posted it some years ago) One of the BEST musical LIVE productions ever.. Here's the link to see the entire opera, PORGY AND BESS - ua-cam.com/video/HdRTfqGy9TE/v-deo.html Enjoy! Oh, by the way...no movie of PORGY was made until 1959, but that production was not as good as this LIVE on stage production that I mentioned above. George Gershwin IS the greatest American Composer!~ Check out the Ella and Louis album that I mentioned above.. Simply Gorgeous music! Enjoy!
I saw them both live. This is my wheelhouse. I’m a DJ at a Jazz radio station. Louis is the architect.
Louis invented modern singing. People don’t know how important Louis Armstrong is to modern music.
All crooners all crooners came from Louis Armstrong. The way they sing they all owe a complete debt of gratitude all of them Frank, Dean, Bing….all of them. You are seeing him at age 57 but 35 years earlier he absolutely changed the world. That is no exaggeration. I hope you take my suggestion for two Louis Armstrong songs. West End Blues. Perhaps one of the most brilliant pieces of horn playing ever.
Also a vocal of a song called Dinah! My dad took me to a concert at Disneyland my dad was a jazz saxophone player and I got to see Louis Armstrong when I was seven years old. Big effect!
I’m going to send you guys a recording of all the works Ella and Louis did together so look out for it. Now about Ella Fitzgerald. She grew up hard and tough with a big heart her start was winning a talent contest at the Apollo theater.She was only 17…NowI’m going to make a suggestion about Ella. Please listen to it. It is a Ella Fitzgerald‘s version of a song called Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered.The studio version. You’ll be hearing eight of the most magical minutes of your life. I love that you guys are doing This music that’s where I come from. Bless you for playing Louis and Ella
Louis also invented the instrumental solo.
@@sixpakshaker88 actually Buddy Bolden did but he was before recorded music. Louis was heavily influenced by Bolden as well as his first professional boss Joe Oliver, however Armstrong swept aside the tendency of multiple simultaneous playing to concentrate on the solo. He was indeed years ahead musically and melodically so he is “the first soloist of note” but Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young weren’t far behind.
Thank you for this, Andy O'. Armstrong's Hot Fives and Sevens are the best and most important recordings in the history of American Music.
So lucky 😍
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered is a great, great song. Ella singing it adds a few more greats. She was amazing.
"Summertime" is the opening Aria, of George Gershwin's Opera "Porgy and Bess" . You have stumbled onto one of the Great Composers of American Music . Gershwin will melt your heart!
It's rather sad that they don't talk about the composition of the music and the lyrics. This is an extraordinary rendition but a real magic behind summertime is the genius George Gershwin .
Definitely!
Beyond compare, Ella was the smoothest singer. And along with Louie Armstrong, Wow!!
Yes! The sound of Satchmo’s horn may well be the best thing humanity has yet produced.
The Great Ella Fitzgerald ❤️
No voice like Ella’s! Absolutely perfect
This is from their Porgy and Bess collaboration!!
The entire album is fantastic !!!
Hi you wonderful young couple thanks for the wonderful memories I have 2 boys one is 50 and the other is 45 and they grew up listening to to golden years of the Hollywood musicals ( 7 brides for 7 brothers- look for the barn dance scene and the scene where the lead Howard keel sings Bless your beautiful hide. Watch the Sound of music, My Fair Lady, Camelot, Paint Your Wagon.) you will literally be blown away oh! I can't forget 'Damn Yankees) so all the times my boys would roll their eyes and say oh mom! Now they can literally grab each other and whip out all the lyrics to those songs! It will take you to another level of your Show! Trust me LOL keep it up
Yeah!!!!!!!!!!
Ella was the queen of scat, but when singing, her precision and phrasing were incomparable. Combine that with Louis Armstrong - the personification of the American dream - and the Gershwins, well, it just doesn't get any better. It is a real pleasure to see young people appreciate this.
You said a mouthful there, sir! I didn't hear Louie until I was 14. A buddy's parents were nuts about his stuff. My brother brought Ella, Billie and Eartha Kitt home from the Air Force on leave.
Eartha Kitt was another Catwoman on Adam West's Batman TV show, but she did night club work on the side and in Paris, France later. Oh, I haven't looked for her stuff on UA-cam. I sure hope they have it for you. But, if they don't, there is all 3 of Batman's seasons.
She got it from Louis.
My deceased husband loved Ella! He used to tell me, “no matter how old Ella gets, she always has the voice of a young woman.” Thank you! Love, from the Great State of Oklahoma, USA 🤍
Two absolute musical geniuses.
Ella’s definitive live version of How High The Moon is almost 7 minutes of a history lesson on why she is one of the best singers to ever grace our ears. It’s a must listen for you both. ❤️❤️
That's exactly what I was going to recommend too.
I watch that vid atleast 3 times a week 😅
LOVE that version. I think it and her scat of Airmail Special are the masters class in scatting.
My grandfather played piano for Louis Armstrong when he played at the London Palladium! My grandfather always said that Louis was a true gentleman
My favorite singer! Ella Fitzgerald' is known as The First Lady of Song . I had the honor of seeing her in concert in 1988. Unfortunately Louis Armstrong died in 1971 when I was still a teenager and my friends werent into jazz
Louis voice is a mix of gravel and silk, it's unique. Listening to him sing is like eating a smooth cheesecake with a popping candy topping
That's a descriptive way to put it.
Great analogy!!! Perfect!!!
Best female performer and voice of the past century, hands down. Karen Carpenter is in the top bracket, and Amy Winehouse. But Ella is the absolute queen. And Louie's not a slacker, either!
While I've never seen Ella live, my mother produced a concert for her in my hometown. It was near the end of Ella's life, and the entire afternoon of the technical rehearsal Ella seemed frail and old. Everyone was a little worried and sad. But according to my mother the moment she stepped out on that stage it was literally magical -- she was commanding and energetic and held the entire theatre in her spell. It was one of the peak experiences of my mom's life.
saw her not too long at Kennedy Center before she passed and her voice was still strong. Greatest concert of my life. Love Ella.
Miss Ella Fitzgerald did a jazz medley with Karen Carpenter back in 1980 on Carpenters' last TV special. It was great and would be awesome to see them react to!
When I produced Ella's concerts we had to put red tape around the apron of the stage because of her failing eyesight, due to her fight with diabetes.
Such a good medley! I can't even right now. They blend so beautifully. The songs, the build up. Oh my.
Wow!
Ella's pipes were lined w butter
So amazing
Amber mentioned that it sounded like the opening of a movie. It was actually written as the opening of an opera, the first jazz opera, Porgy and Bess, by American genius George Gershwin. It has been covered literally hundreds of times. You chose one with jazz royalty. Ella had one of the most beautiful voices ever, and she was scatting well into her 70s. Louis was not just a jazz trumpet player, he pretty much invented it. Every horn player ever since refers back to his timing and his licks. And since Rock & Roll evolved from jazz and blues, there is a little bit of Louis in every rock song to this day.
This song is from the musical "Porgy and Bess" written by George Gershwin. Such a wonderful recording by Ella and Louis!!
Which everybody should see at some point in their lives. I think it's available on UA-cam, too.
This is probably the best reaction yet...This song is a beautiful classic, and no one can compare with Satchmo and Ella! It was a delight to watch you both melt, as the powerful music touched your souls! Love you guys! Blessings to you and your beautiful family!
I Second That Emotion (and that’s a recommended song title!)! I too am so glad for your enthusiasm for exploring where today’s music came from. That is what I find so delightful about your channel. I already know and love this kind of music, and it’s a treat to watch folks your age come to know and love it too.
There is no better duo in the whole history of music than Ella and Louis! Everything that they did together just wipes the floor with everyone else!
"it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" Ella Fitzgerald and the Duke Ellington Band (she was the first to scat on this song)
The joy I get watching you experience these wonderful artists with such gratitude and reverence brings me to tears. Love you guys!
Of all the voices I've ever heard, Ella is my favorite. I'll never forget the first time I heard her while perusing records in a record store. *She has an amazing life story.*
For those that are interested in learning more about her life and adversity, a link is below.
ua-cam.com/video/R7cffQ6w5_k/v-deo.html
I didn’t get to see Louis but I I DID get to see Ella live with Oscar Peterson. So, soooooo good.
I saw Ella, Oscar, & Joe Pass, along with the Count Basie Orchestra -- One of the best concerts I ever saw!!! It was probably '75, & my then-fiance' & I went with my dad, who was a jazz musician (trumpet). After the show, my dad took us backstage where everyone knew him, & we got to meet them all. A few from Basie's band were longtime friends of my dad who I knew since my childhood, but even I was surprised, & super proud, to see how well-known & respected he was among that whole crowd. In fact, my dad, my fiance' & I were invited by members of the Basie band to join them the following evening at a local spot where they were playing a private party. All they asked in return was that my dad bring his trumpet & be ready to play. We went, & my fiance' & I spent the evening watching & listening to my dad with the Count Basie Band. That was one hell of a night!!!! ❤😀❤
@@d.j.starling3559 Woooooow!!! That is amazing! I probably would have passed out from fangirl overload if I had ever met Ella Fitzgerald.
@@lindadenton7407 Ella was just lovely! But my favorite celebrity meeting (& I feel fortunate to have had many) was with Dean Martin! More incredibly handsome in person than you can imagine, & quite kind & amicable & welcoming.
@@d.j.starling3559 you’re killing me. Lol. So jelly. 😁
@@lindadenton7407 🤣🤣🤣
You did do an Ella song before. It was Cry Me a River.
Try Mack the Knife next from her.
finally you did the greatest singer of all time - Ella, you need more ella
NOBODY sounds or has ever sounded like Louis Armstrong, EXCEPT Louis Armstrong. He is UNIQUE
It is not just Louie's voice but the feeling, yes the passion, I would have loved to have met him, he seemed overflowing with energy but also love and grace. Ella is wonderful here at the beginning, but when Louie starts singing, that is another level on the feels
I consider Ella the best singer of all time. ❤️
Ditto 💜
I love Ella but….Sarah Vaughan was the Devine one. AND Ella’s favorite singer.
@@andyo3689 no argument here, both are absolute perfection.
@@sallyh5413 I'm thrilled that RSR is getting into the ancestors
Absolutely…her voice was a musical instrument.Just incredible and I just adore her.❤❤❤
Saw Ella live in Pittsburgh about mid 60s - outdoors on a riverbank stage (actually a converted barge). I cherish that memory.
Major props to,”The Rob Squad” for this. Bing Crosby, ( for those that don’t know, look him up) said that “Louis Armstrong is the beginning and end of American music.” Popular music still uses song structures he created. There really aren’t any more words to describe these two legends. Two of the best there ever were. Full stop. Regards
Mr. Louis Armstrong, the Daddy of Jazz, and Ella Fitzgerald, Queen of Scat, are the two best of ALL TIME. They were both born with more talent than most people will ever have. They entertained people from all over the world. We miss them.
Definitely agree ‼️
Ella is on the MT Rushmore of singers. Also Sarah Vaughn doing “MISTy” is spectacular as well. But Ella sang with them all. Sinatra, Martin, you name it.
Perfectly stated. She is the measuring stick to which all others attempt to aspire.
Ella can scat equally as well as Louie! When she goes to town she blows it out of the water!
Yes!!! *How High The Moon* is a great example.
@@scapito Flyin' Home with Dizzy and Bird
They once did a commercial where Ella scatted for a bit, then held a high note for so long, her voice shattered a wineglass. (The ad was for recording tape, so they played the tape, broke another glass, and on the third one asked: "Is it live…or is it Memorex?" She was fantastic.
I remember that
I remembered that commercial Loved it
I saw Louie Armstrong on my prom night in High School in June 1956 in Basin Street in New York City. I will never forget it!!
I saw Ella, but she was pretty old
then; she still had that girlish quality about her. I got to see Mel Torme, though; he was a great jazz singer. I would have given anything to see Pops, a great man and musician.
Amber, I just wanted to say, you’re looking so beautiful and great since having the baby. ( not that you didn’t look good before) but you just look so great lately. If you’re not getting enough sleep.... you certainly can’t tell it! God bless young lady.
And girl, your hair looks so FINE!
Yes, Amber is glowing! Love the hair!
Isn’t it wonderful that recording allows us the hear these talented singers? I bet when we were living in caves, people like this existed. Singing their hearts out about the world as they saw it.
Ella takes this song even deeper in 1968- live. It's astonishing in it's quiet power. Her control and warmth are stunning.
That’s my favorite version by her
Even her "goofs" were perfect. Who could forget a lyric in a recorded performance and win a Grammy for it. She is unlike all others. Perfection.
She also did a version of 'Mack the knife'.
Best of best. Never could or can like this.
I love Ella and Louis singing "Cheek to Cheek" together
Ella & Louie sounds great together especially on this Gershwin tune from Porgy & Bess, a great musical. When the Beatles 1st hit the USA, they dominated the number one spot for months , then out of nowhere comes Louie Armstrong knocking the Beatles out of the number 1 spot back in 1964 with Hello Dolly.
You should check out “Saint James Infirmary”. It’s my favorite Luis Armstrong song. Hauntingly beautiful.
Now we're talkin! Definitely St. James Infirmary!!
That's one of my favorite covers Hugh Laurie plays/sings
Agree! And the masterpiece, "West End Blues" ua-cam.com/video/4WPCBieSESI/v-deo.html
Was just going to mention this song !
Terrific recommendation!!!!!
Jay & Amber , you need to check out Ella Fitzgerald & Karen Carpenter singing "This Masquerade"
There's a video of Karen Carpenter and Ms. Ella singing a medley of songs. It's a clip from a tv special
Yes! 1980 Carpenters TV special called Music, Music, Music
@@lucindagoodwin3139 I think the Carpenters had a weekly TV show that only lasted about a year, summer replacement, maybe? It could be on that. It would be great if that show and Bobby Darin's summer replacement for Dean Martin was on UA-cam or one of them. Give you young folks a chance to see what you missed.
@@deannasisson5751 They had a summer replacement show in 1971. I remember because Rainy Days and Mondays had already been a hit. I watched that show every week.
this is great - the music alone brings images of the heat of the Summertime!!! Ella Rocks!!!!!
Your next Ella reaction should be "Stompin' at the Savoy." Amazing scat singing, fun upbeat tune! "It's De-Lovely" is wonderful, "Mack the Knife" live in Berlin is amazing, everything Ella ever did was PERFECTION!
Two wonderful talents from a crooning generation. I would have loved to have been there for this production, a fly on the wall, as it were. Just listen to the sauce! As a short, pudgy, and white kid (born in 1955) I revered Mr. Armstrong. Ella has a pure smooth voice that unsurpassed. Thanks for this post. I needed the lift today!
We love Ella and of course Satchmo in our house! My son loved her so much that he wanted to marry her when he was about 12. Sadly she passed before he could propose 😉😉. He named his daughter Ella in honor of her. Love this song! It was from Porgy and Bess. Ella does some great scatting as well.
I 💜 this! You raised 'em right.
Ella Fitzgerald's Gershwin Songbook is worth it. One of my ALL TIME favorite compilations. Louie is amazing on the trumpet but if you want to dive deeper check out Miles Davis. He has a huge songbook but I recommend starting with Someday My Prince Will Come. So so so good.
OMG ELLA... and then Louie... this is so amazing
Great song by two true musical legends, 👍
Just watched a documentary on Ella Fitzgerald on Netflix. Unbelievable story for an unbelievable performer and how she went through a whole Lotta stuff and came out on top, this is a female Lil Bluesy crooner. This arrangement of summertime is exceptional, but it is a beautiful song
What's the name of the documentary? I'd love to watch it.
What’s so exceptional in the original Porgy and Bess opera score used as background in the first verse…?🤔
@@pirateship74 Ella - Just One of those things.
Please try Ella's version of "Night and Day".
Two of my Daddy's all time Favorites together on stage 🥰🥰🥰🥰
For Once In My Life - Ella Fitzgerald ❤️
I loved listening to Louie Armstrong when I was a kid. ❤️
I love this version of Summertime. Ella is amazing. Janis did a cover of this that was also good. This was from the 1935 movie opera "Porgy and Bess".
Most Louis Armstrong fans know about his passion for tape recording technology and he is likely the earliest person to record what we would come to know as a podcast today. In addition to recording his music and documenting his writing and composing process on tape he would have his recording equipment on at his house and openly record his thoughts as well as conversations with friends and guests. He recorded and documented thousands of hours of this type of material. This massive archive of tapes was kept by him and his widow and still survives today.
Louie is the best
Louis' late wife left everything to Queens College
Ella is amazing! Louis is amazing! George Gershwin is amazing! Always loved this song. With the holidays coming up I thought I’d mention she did a couple Christmas albums. One of my favorites is “ What are you doing New Year’s Eve. “ Of course you can’t go wrong with anything from Ella.
Mmh, what smooth, sultry magic is this? The amazing orchestration just has me swaying. THANK YOU!🥰
Ella... the one and only. Torch singer. Incomparable.
Can you imagine this?!?
This got radio airplay in the 1960s and 1970s....
This was entertainment on TV shows in those decades...
Such GREAT talent..... Ella's voice is like honey on the ears!
Her and Louie are PERFECT together....
PERFECT!!
Good Lord! I am so glad you are checking out these great recordings....
This is a history of perfection! Masterclass of both these performers.
Louie and Ella! What a team! Music legends!!
Love them both. Louis has always been one of my favorites. Wonderful world is my favorite by him
This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've EVER heard!!!
I know I've heard THIS version before. But, hearing it again... here... I have to put this in my top 5 best recordings EVER. Louis, Ella, the orchestra, the song, the arrangement. Total package for the "W" !!! WOW! and thank you for reacting to it. Now to find the CD !!!
Ella and Louis did a lot of duets. One reviewer said that their two voices were like whiskey (Louis) and a fine Cabernet Sauvignon…🍷🥃
Your girl Janice also has a great version of this song!
My favorite duo. Love them both. Ella’s the Queen and Louis - so smooth! ❤❤
Two legends that speak to your soul. Thank you guys.
Louie and Ella have always been the true King and Queen of jazz, even though there are lots of other great artists that are great in their own right.
But these two are the pinnacle, the standard that all others aspire to.
I like their dancing Cheek to Cheek.
Great song choice to react to. Two absolute hands down legends singing together is going to be epic.
So glad you're doing this one! I suggested this way back; it's one of my favorites.
I actually met Ella Fitzgerald in 1974 at age 14 in the Green Room after a concert at Saint Catherine's College in St. Paul MN. My father had to work, so I actually took the bus and went there alone. Trumpeter Roy Eldridge opened the concert.
Louis Armstrong influenced swing jazz trumpeter Roy Eldridge, who influenced bopper Dizzy Gillespie who played the bent trumpet with Charlie Bird Parker, creating early modern Jazz in the early 1940s.
Ella Fitzgerald is my personal favorite Jazz singer.
And the orchestra is sublime.
Lou Rawls has a very similar tone to Louis Armstrong.
He was big in the 70’s disco era with songs like “Lady Love” and “You’ll never find”.
I think you will enjoy him 👍
Lou sounds like Lou. Both are easy to differentiate and epic .
YESSS, to Lou Rawls!! 🤩
What??
I wish I could like this comment several times. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE LOU RAWLS
Louie Armstrong and Lou Rawls are completely different singers. I saw Lou Rawls live and he was amazing. Louie Armstrong was just unique. Both different!
If you haven't yet, listen to Etta James - "At Last" and "I'd Rather Go Blind". As for Louis Armstrong - "Mack The Knife" , "Hello Dolly(live)" is a must.
"I'd rather go blind" is one of the best songs ever.
Ella and Mel Torme. What is Jazz. Louis and Jewel Brown. When The Saints Go Matching In ☮️💜🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
This is simply perfection. I have been listening and singing this song since the early sixties and each time it makes me cry.
Classic treasure. Thanks for the request. Thank you guys, keep doing it.
Between the rich vocals and the trumpet, I just melted into the couch. Ella sings so many great songs like "Manhattan"
Ah! My moms favorite, makes me teary to hear Ella’s voice again 🙌🏼 thank you
Billy Stewart’s Summertime (the 5 minute version) is so good.
I love his version the best.
Yes! My hubby's favorite.
You can NEVER go wrong with Ella and Louis. ❤❤❤
Have listened to the first 30 seconds... already blown away!!!!! Thank u for this