I also met, early on Ella Fitzgerald. Her songbooks are some of the most amazing bodies of work.
This quote by Johnny Mathis, a renowned American singer, expresses his deep admiration for Ella Fitzgerald, widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. When Mathis says, “I also met, early on Ella Fitzgerald,” he is reflecting on a significant encounter with an iconic figure in the music industry. This meeting was likely influential for Mathis, as Fitzgerald’s contributions to music, particularly in jazz and standards, were groundbreaking.
Mathis continues by praising Fitzgerald’s songbooks, calling them “some of the most amazing bodies of work.” Fitzgerald’s songbooks, such as her interpretations of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Duke Ellington, are considered some of the finest recordings in music history. These collections showcase not only her vocal mastery but also her ability to convey deep emotion and storytelling through song. Mathis’s admiration for these works highlights the profound impact Fitzgerald’s music had on him and on the broader musical world.
The origin of this quote likely comes from interviews or public conversations where Mathis reflected on the influences and experiences that shaped his own career. As a contemporary of Fitzgerald and someone who also gained international fame for his voice and style, Mathis has often spoken about his respect for other legendary artists in the jazz and pop world.
Ultimately, Mathis’s quote underscores the immense respect he has for Fitzgerald’s legacy. Her songbooks, full of both technical brilliance and emotional depth, represent some of the finest works in music. For Mathis, meeting Fitzgerald was not just a personal highlight but also a symbol of the power of music to inspire and elevate.
TALe Thu Anh
Reading this, I feel a deep appreciation for the lineage of vocal jazz. But it also raises a concern—do we, as music consumers today, honor and revisit these foundational works enough? When artists like Mathis pay homage to predecessors like Fitzgerald, it bridges generations. But is that reverence translating to wider audiences anymore, or is it mainly nostalgic for older fans? What role does the industry play in keeping that legacy alive?
QPNguyen Quoc Phuc
Ella Fitzgerald’s interpretations are unmatched, and I love that Mathis called out her songbooks specifically. But I'm curious—what do you think made those songbooks stand out so much? Was it her voice, her phrasing, the arrangements, or maybe the historical context of preserving the Great American Songbook? I'd be interested to hear a musician’s perspective on what made those albums so exceptional artistically.
HCLe Hoang Chau
This quote makes me think about the lost art of the 'songbook'—a curated, thematic body of work by a singer interpreting great songwriters. Do you think today's music industry still allows for that kind of slow, thoughtful artistry? Or are we too focused on singles and viral hits? It seems like the legacy of those old jazz standards and how they're interpreted is slowly fading from the mainstream.
HNNguyen Hong Nhung
It's great to see a legendary artist like Johnny Mathis acknowledging Ella Fitzgerald's songbooks. It makes me think: are newer generations of listeners being exposed to these works the way they should be? With the shift to streaming and short-form content, are we losing appreciation for these complete, thoughtful musical projects? Should more be done in music education to introduce young people to foundational artists like Ella?
Gghgyugy
Wow, the idea of Johnny Mathis meeting Ella Fitzgerald is almost surreal. Two legends in one space! I’m curious though—how much do you think that kind of artistic connection influences a performer’s style? Do encounters with icons like Ella leave a lasting imprint, or is it more about shared admiration? I’d love to know if that meeting shaped Johnny’s musical choices in any significant way.