25 Ella Fitzgerald Quotes To Move You From The First Lady Of Song

The following Ella Fitzgerald quotes show you why she was considered the First Lady of Song.

Ella Fitzgerald was one of the most famous female jazz singers which led her to earn the privilege of being known as the First Lady of Song.

She sang with some of the biggest names in music history like Frank Sinatra (see Frank Sinatra quotes) and Nat King Cole.

Her music united people as she was loved by everyone regardless of race or class.

Her incredible talent led her to sell over 40 million albums while earning 13 Grammy Awards.

Not only did she experience plenty of success with music, but it was also where she felt the most comfortable and confident. 

Below is our collection of inspirational, wise and thoughtful Ella Fitzgerald quotes and sayings, collected from a variety of sources over the years.

Don’t forget to also check out these music quotes on how it heals our souls.

If you love this quote collection, read out our most popular quote article about short inspirational quotes for daily motivation. 

If you need more inspirational quotes, check out our motivational quotes category page.

Ella Fitzgerald Quotes To Move You From The First Lady Of Song

1. “The only thing better than singing is more singing.”― Ella Fitzgerald

2. “I used to be very self-conscious. I used to wish I was pretty. By smiling, I think I’ve made more friends than if I was the other way.” ― Ella Fitzgerald

3. “I stole everything I ever heard, but mostly I stole from the horns.” ― Ella Fitzgerald

4. “You never know how a room feels, what a crowd is going to react to. You have to find out when you’re standing out there singing the first time.”― Ella Fitzgerald

5. “Music is the universal language … it brings people closer together.” ― Ella Fitzgerald

6. “Now we’re not afraid when storm clouds gather ‘Cause we got the kind of love that’ll see us through.” ― Ella Fitzgerald

7. “Coming through the years, and finding that I not only have just the fans of my day, but the young ones of today — that’s what it means, it means it was worth all of it.”― Ella Fitzgerald

8. “It isn’t where you came frome; it’s where you’re going that counts.” ― Ella Fitzgerald

9. “Eventually, I realized that I would not have a life until I buckled down. Once I did, I auditioned for Juilliard – and that changed everything.”― Ella Fitzgerald

10. “Our love is as deep as the sea, Our love is as great as a love can be, And we can weather the great unknown, If we’re alone together.” ― Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald quotes about success

11. “I’m very shy, and I shy away from people. But the moment I hit the stage, it’s a different feeling I get nerve from somewhere; maybe it’s because it’s something I love to do.” ― Ella Fitzgerald

12. “When I’m on stage I feel at home” ― Ella Fitzgerald

13. “Oh, I have gobs and gobs of ideas, but… well, you dream things like that, and that’s what these are, you know–my day dreams.”― Ella Fitzgerald

14. “Noticing the days hurrying by; When you’re in love, my how they fly!” ― Ella Fitzgerald

15. “I think, psychics, there are some people that really are psychic, and it doesn’t make sense, but why should it make sense?”― Ella Fitzgerald

16. “Did I do all right?”― Ella Fitzgerald

17. “Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there’s love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” ― Ella Fitzgerald

18. “What’s the sense of going home and just sitting down and doing nothing?”― Ella Fitzgerald

19. “You take romance – I’ll take Jell-O.” ― Ella Fitzgerald

20. “I sang because I was too nervous to dance.”― Ella Fitzgerald

Don’t forget to also read these Shawn Mendes quotes on life lessons.

Ella Fitzgerald quotes about music and life

21. “A lot of singers think all they have to do is exercise their tonsils to get ahead. They refuse to look for new ideas and new outlets, so they fall by the wayside… I’m going to try to find out the new ideas before the others do.” ― Ella Fitzgerald

22. “When each weary day is through. How I long to be with you.” ― Ella Fitzgerald

23. “Some kids in Italy call me ‘Mama Jazz; I thought that was so cute. As long as they don’t call me ‘Grandma Jazz.” — Ella Fitzgerald

24. “I never was cut out to step and strut out. Give me the simple life.” — Ella Fitzgerald

25. “I did a film called ‘Puccini for Beginners,’ which was a romantic comedy, and I always wanted to do more, but I kept doing drama.” ― Ella Fitzgerald

What role does music play in yourlife?

Whether you have a love for music the same way Ella Fitzgerald did or if you simply enjoy quotes that inspire you towards success, the quotes above can help you make a difference in your own life.

You can look for ways to make a positive impact on others through your love and talent for music.

Or, you can simply enjoy her love her music and use the quotes here to find the motivation to go after passions of your own.

At the very least, let these quotes help you to appreciate the First Lady of Song and her love and talent for music. 

Which of these enlightening Ella Fitzgerald quotes was your favorite?

Do you have any other inspirational quotes to add?

Let us know in the comment section below.