Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer and songwriter who is often referred to as the 'First Lady of Song' and 'Queen of Jazz'. She was a major figure in jazz music for over half a century, with her career spanning from the 1930s to the 1990s. She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable phrasing, and a vocal range that spanned three octaves. Her influence on jazz and popular music is still felt today.