Irving Berlin was an American composer and songwriter. His music forms a large part of the Great American Songbook. Berlin received numerous honors including an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, and a Tony Award. He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Gerald R. Ford in 1977
A Look at Ella and Irving
“Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Irving Berlin Song Book” is a celebrated album that showcases Fitzgerald’s exceptional talent and her ability to interpret the works of one of America’s greatest songwriters, Irving Berlin. Released in 1958, this album is part of her renowned Song Book series and features arrangements by Paul Weston. Critics have praised the album for its sophisticated performances that highlight both Fitzgerald’s vocal prowess and Berlin’s songwriting genius. Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr. from AllMusic describes it as a must-have for fans of Fitzgerald’s songbook recordings, while David Adler from All About Jazz considers it essential for any music library, noting the unmistakable compatibility between Fitzgerald and Berlin.
The album includes classic tracks like “Let’s Face the Music and Dance,” “Cheek to Cheek,” and “Puttin’ On the Ritz,” each performed with Fitzgerald’s signature style that blends emotional depth with technical brilliance. Her interpretations bring a fresh perspective to Berlin’s work, often transforming well-known tunes into definitive versions. The album was also recognized at the inaugural Grammy Awards, where Fitzgerald won for Best Vocal Performance, Female. Overall, this collection is a testament to Ella Fitzgerald’s enduring influence in jazz and her ability to breathe new life into timeless songs.
