Ella lived in an orphanage in New York. At age 15, she entered a contest in New York. A famous jazz musician named Chick Webb was in the audience. He was looking for a new singer for his band. When he heard Ella's voice, he gave her the job.In 1938 Ella wrote a song with Chick Webb. This song was a great success. Ella was a star.
Chick Webb died, but Ella sang with his band for three more years. Then she sang alone. She traveled all over the world. She had an amazing voice. She could sing any kind of song. Ella sang for almost 60 years. She sold over 25 million records and sang with more than 40 orchestras. People called her the "First Lady of Song." Ella died in 1996.
