This is a nice presentable visual biography of jazz giant Ella Fitzgerald. The title declares that it is “The Official Graphic Novel” as part of the Women In Jazz series.

Taking off from the Amazon.com product description, “In this vibrant graphic novel, follow the remarkable journey of Ella Fitzgerald, the ‘First Lady of Song,’ as she rises from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. Through stunning artwork and compelling storytelling, readers are immersed in the world of jazz, experiencing the highs and lows of Fitzgerald's life and career.”

There is no doubt that Ella Fitzgerald’s career and contributions to musical history are remarkable as an “enduring legacy.” This tabletop book will provide grist for good conversation and discovery. There’s no question that Ella, who possessed deep musical genius, had to traverse a lifelong struggle for mainstream acceptance confronting Up North discrimination and racism, and Down South Jim Crow segregation. Even as Ella emerged as one of the icons of jazz music in all of its mathematical variations -- bebop and swing, Broadway show tunes, blues, popular ballads, and her amazing mastery of scat, there was the base nature of show business economics many times informed by racism and stereotyping.

This is a coffee table book that traces Ella’s journey from discovery as a teenager’s accidental performance at the Apollo Theater’s amateur night to her groundbreaking collaborations with musical legends like Duke Ellington, Louie Armstrong, and many others. Important recognition is given to Norman Granz, her manager who fought racist roadblocks to elevate Ella from a popular singer to an internationally renowned musical trailblazer. (See the last paragraph below of the latest release of live music from Norman Granz’s private collection.)

However if one is not familiar with this background history, especially for younger readers who appreciate graphic novels, the opening scenes of Ella’s childhood struggle are missing the necessary contextual background with appropriate narrative boxes. This is in contrast later in the book, where her intersections with jazz luminaries, such as Illinois Jaquette and Dizzy Gillespie, are brought to attention with captions and narrative bubbles.

Ella Fitzgerald: The Official Graphic Novel was published on February 18, 2025, and is available through Amazon and other venues. And with that, all spoken to, admirers of Ella FitzGerald’s work should check out the latest unveiling from the musical vault of Norman Granz, The Moment of Truth: Ella at the Coliseum (Verve Records). This wonderful recording of Ella’s 1967 concert in Oakland was released on February 28, 2025. You can catch my February 3 review of a single taken from this collection at https://mainlypiano.com/reviews/ella-fitzgerald-the-moment-of-truth-ella-at-the-coliseum.