Description
Ella Fitzgerald – Sings The Cole Porter Song Book – Double Vinyl Record
A Landmark Jazz Album That Redefined the Great American Songbook
Released in 1956 on Verve Records, Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book is a groundbreaking album that not only elevated Ella Fitzgerald’s career but also helped to secure the enduring legacy of Cole Porter, one of America’s greatest composers and lyricists. Produced by Norman Granz, founder of Verve Records and a visionary who recognized Fitzgerald’s unmatched ability to interpret songs with precision and emotion, the album became the first installment of Ella’s legendary Song Book series. Spanning a double LP with an extraordinary 32 tracks, this collection showcased Fitzgerald’s ability to balance wit, warmth, and sophistication, making it one of the most important vocal jazz albums ever recorded. It bridged the gap between jazz, pop, and classical interpretations of American songwriting, appealing to both casual listeners and serious jazz aficionados.
At the time of its release, Ella Fitzgerald was already celebrated for her incredible vocal range, impeccable pitch, and improvisational skills, but Sings the Cole Porter Song Book marked a turning point in her career. Instead of focusing on scat singing or jazz improvisation, Ella devoted herself to faithful, emotionally rich interpretations of Porter’s songs. Her crystal-clear diction, flawless timing, and nuanced phrasing allowed Porter’s famously witty and urbane lyrics to shine in ways few singers had achieved before. This artistic choice made the album both commercially accessible and critically revered, proving that Fitzgerald was not only a master of jazz performance but also one of the greatest interpreters of the Great American Songbook.
The musical arrangements were provided by Buddy Bregman, whose orchestral settings gave the album a lush, sophisticated atmosphere. The arrangements were carefully designed to highlight Ella’s vocals, never overpowering her but instead framing her voice in ways that emphasized the elegance of Porter’s melodies and the cleverness of his lyrics. From swinging big band numbers to tender ballads, the album covers the full spectrum of Porter’s artistry, and Ella meets every challenge with seemingly effortless grace.
Among the standout tracks are “All Through the Night,” which opens the collection with haunting beauty, and “Anything Goes,” where Ella’s playful delivery captures the satirical brilliance of Porter’s lyricism. “I Get a Kick Out of You” remains one of her most beloved performances, full of charm and subtle humor, while “It’s De-Lovely” sparkles with rhythmic energy and joy. Perhaps the most emotionally powerful moment comes with “Every Time We Say Goodbye,” where Ella’s tender phrasing and restraint turn Porter’s bittersweet ballad into one of the most definitive versions ever recorded. Other highlights include “Night and Day,” where her controlled delivery underscores the song’s timeless romanticism, and “You Do Something to Me,” which showcases her lighter, flirtatious side.
Critics and audiences alike responded with overwhelming praise to Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book. It was hailed as an instant classic upon release, setting a new benchmark for how jazz singers could approach the Great American Songbook. The success of the album inspired Norman Granz to continue the concept, leading to subsequent Song Books devoted to the works of George and Ira Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Rodgers and Hart, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer, and Harold Arlen. Together, these albums solidified Fitzgerald’s reputation as the “First Lady of Song,” but it all began with her interpretations of Cole Porter.
The long-term legacy of Sings the Cole Porter Song Book is immense. It has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and is frequently cited by critics and scholars as one of the greatest albums of all time. More than just a collection of standards, it reintroduced Cole Porter’s work to a new generation of listeners in the mid-20th century, ensuring that his sophisticated, witty, and often daring lyrics remained part of America’s cultural conversation. At the same time, the album elevated Ella Fitzgerald from being known primarily as a jazz singer to being recognized as one of the greatest interpreters of popular song in any genre.
What makes this album particularly special is the way it highlights the synergy between performer and songwriter. Cole Porter’s songs are known for their wit, wordplay, and cosmopolitan elegance, qualities that demand a singer with perfect enunciation, impeccable rhythm, and emotional sensitivity. Ella Fitzgerald brought all of that and more, delivering performances that remain definitive decades later. Whether playful, romantic, or heart-wrenching, she treated each song with respect, never overshadowing Porter’s brilliance but enhancing it with her own artistry.
Today, Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book continues to serve as both an educational tool and a source of inspiration. Vocalists study it to understand the art of phrasing and diction, while casual listeners return to it for its timeless charm and sophistication. It is an essential album for anyone interested in the Great American Songbook, vocal jazz, or 20th-century popular music history. It also stands as a testament to Norman Granz’s vision, Ella Fitzgerald’s interpretive genius, and Cole Porter’s lasting influence on music.
Ella Fitzgerald – Sings the Cole Porter Song Book (1956) is more than just the first entry in the Song Book series—it is a cultural landmark that redefined how jazz and popular song could intersect. With her impeccable vocal technique, emotional honesty, and respect for the material, Ella Fitzgerald delivered definitive versions of Cole Porter’s classics, from “Night and Day” to “Every Time We Say Goodbye.” The album remains one of the most important vocal jazz recordings of all time, a timeless celebration of two American musical giants whose combined artistry continues to resonate with listeners across generations.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
All Through The Night
Anything Goes
Miss Otis Regrets
Too Darn Hot
In The Still Of The Night
I Get A Kick Out Of You
Do I Love You
Always True To You In My Fashion
Let’s Do It
Just One Of Those Things
Ev’ry Time We Say Good-Bye
All Of You
Begin The Beguine
Get Out Of Town
I Am In Love
From This Moment On
I Love Paris
You Do Something To Me
Ridin’ High
Easy To Love
It’s All Right With Me
Why Can’t You Behave
What Is This Thing Called Love
You’re The Top
Love For Sale
It’s DeLovely
Night And Day
Ace In The Hole
So In Love
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
I Concentrate On You
Don’t Fence Me In
