In this episode, John and Adam celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Ella Fitzgerald, whose voice helped define—and in many ways create—what we now call the Great American Songbook. From her humble beginnings in Yonkers to her breakout performance at the Apollo Theater, the hosts trace Ella’s rise from a shy teenager to one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century.

Through stories, musical excerpts, and lively discussion, they follow her artistic evolution—from her early swing era hits with Chick Webb (“A-Tisket, A-Tasket”), to her pioneering jazz improvisations with Dizzy Gillespie, and finally to the legendary Songbook recordings that cemented her place in American music history. Along the way, John and Adam explore her collaborations with icons like Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, and Rodgers & Hart, as well as the pivotal role of producer Norman Granz, who guided her transition from jazz star to cultural institution.

The episode concludes with a reflection on what the “Great American Songbook” really means—featuring insights from Michael Feinstein, comparisons of different interpretations of “Lush Life,” and a spirited debate about what songs deserve a place in the canon. It’s a rich, heartfelt tribute to Ella Fitzgerald: the woman who sang America’s story, one standard at a time.