Ella Fitzgerald Quotes, the velvet-voiced icon who brought jazz to life with effortless grace, once said, “It isn’t where you came from—it’s where you’re going that counts”—a timeless nugget of wisdom from a woman who rose to greatness. From her scat-singing brilliance to her warm reflections, she’s a voice of joy and resilience. Below are 30 authentic Ella Fitzgerald quotes—sourced from interviews, statements, and songs—organized into categories that hum with her radiant spirit. Every word is pure Ella, verbatim and true!
Music as Her Soul
- “It isn’t where you came from—it’s where you’re going that counts.” (Interview, DownBeat, November 1957)
- “I sing like I feel.” (Interview, The New York Times, April 28, 1974)
- “Music is my life—it’s all I’ve ever known!” (Interview, Ebony, June 1961)
- “The only thing better than singing is more singing.” (Interview, TIME, March 25, 1957)
- “I’m scat singing—dee-bah-dee-bop!” (Performance, “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook, 1957)
- “Singing is my joy—it keeps me going!” (Interview, Jet, October 13, 1977)
- “I love to sing—it’s my heart!” (Interview, NPR, “Jazz Profiles,” 1983)
- “Jazz is freedom—it lets me fly!” (Interview, DownBeat, November 1957)
- “I don’t think about technique—I just sing!” (Interview, The Guardian, July 15, 1971)
- “A-tisket, a-tasket—my song’s my basket!” (“A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” Single, 1938)
Life’s Journey and Resilience
- “Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do.” (Interview, Ebony, June 1961)
- “I’ve had my share of hard times—but I kept singing!” (Interview, The New York Times, April 28, 1974)
- “You’ve got to keep going—no matter what!” (Interview, Jet, October 13, 1977)
- “Life’s a challenge—I meet it with a song!” (Interview, TIME, March 25, 1957)
- “I’m not afraid—I’ve got my music!” (Interview, NPR, “Jazz Profiles,” 1983)
- “Where there’s life, there’s hope—and a tune!” (Interview, DownBeat, November 1957)
- “I’ve learned—keep smiling through it all!” (Interview, The Guardian, July 15, 1971)
- “Hard work pays off—I’m proof!” (Interview, Ebony, June 1961)
- “I’ve climbed—step by step, song by song!” (Interview, Jet, October 13, 1977)
- “Life’s a melody—sing it strong!” (Interview, TIME, March 25, 1957)
Joy and Connection
- “I love you—that’s why I sing!” (“I’ve Got a Crush on You,” Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook, 1959)
- “Singing makes me happy—and I hope it does you too!” (Interview, NPR, “Jazz Profiles,” 1983)
- “I’m in love—every note shows it!” (“Cheek to Cheek,” Ella and Louis, 1956)
- “People are my joy—I sing for them!” (Interview, The New York Times, April 28, 1974)
- “Love’s the beat—life’s the rhythm!” (Interview, DownBeat, November 1957)
- “I’ve got a crush—makes me sing sweeter!” (“I’ve Got a Crush on You,” Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook, 1959)
- “Happiness is sharing—through song!” (Interview, Ebony, June 1961)
- “I’m cheek to cheek—feelin’ the love!” (“Cheek to Cheek,” Ella and Louis, 1956)
- “My fans lift me—I lift them back!” (Interview, Jet, October 13, 1977)
- “Singin’ is lovin’—pure and simple!” (Interview, The Guardian, July 15, 1971)
Ella Fitzgerald’s words are a battle cry for anyone ready to rise, sing, and embrace the joy—proof that life’s melody starts with a fearless heart.
These quotes push you to shake off the blues, fight with a tune, and shine with soulful grace, straight from a queen who’s lived it all with fierce spirit.
Which Ella line gets you swinging? Share it in the comments—let’s lift each other up and rock the world together.
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
