Ella Fitzgerald - All the Things You Are video free download

Smooth Oscar Hammerstein & Jerome Kern number (in stereo). Arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle.

Last year read the autobiography of New Zealand/Australian promoter Harry M. Miller. In 1964 he brought Ella and her band out for a tour of NZ and Australia. The following excerpt provides a small but unique insight into Ella:

Another of the first big acts I toured to New Zealand through Joe Glaser was the wonderful wonderful Ella Fitzgerald - so talented and devoid of any diva-like behavior. If only some of her modern-day equivalents could take a leaf out of her book. Aside from her voice, which managed to override less than exemplary venue conditions in New Zealand, I remember Ellas great and warm sense of humour. The first time I met her was in Wellington-her plane was late and she had to perform that night. We were running out of time to get her onstage. As anyone could imagine and appreciate, this young promoter was beside himself, so much so I had all but destroyed a bunch of gladioli I planned to present to her on arrival. But, nervously, I nonetheless handed her the bunch of flowers when she touched down-what was left of them anyway.

'I think youre going to need some more flowers', she said, laughing. It put me instantly at ease-well almost.

The funny thing about Ella and her band was that they would steal food from each others plates or from unsuspecting schmoes like me. If I was explaining something to Ella, outlining her schedule for the day, for example, she'd listen intently, making sure our eyes were locked, while taking a piece of cake from my plate. It was a running joke for the entire tour.