Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things

'Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things' is a 2019 documentary film that chronicles the life and career of the legendary American jazz singer, Ella Fitzgerald. Directed by Leslie Woodhead and produced by Reggie Nadelson, the documentary is a captivating narrative of Fitzgerald’s life through a combination of rare footage, remarkable performances and exclusive interviews. With appearances from luminaries like Norma Miller and Ray Brown Jr., the film skillfully illuminates the complex character and life of a musical pioneer who transcended her challenging past to revolutionize the music world.

The film follows Fitzgerald's trajectory from her birth in 1917 in Virginia, through her challenging childhood marked by precarious economic conditions, to her subsequent rise as a global jazz icon. Her journey begins in the music halls of Harlem, transcending to the posh clubs of Europe, and peaking at the zenith of international acclaim. The narrative effectively juxtaposes the stellar public persona of Ella Fitzgerald with her often troubled and private personal life, marked by racial prejudice, struggles with body image, and more.

The documentary also immortalizes Fitzgerald’s contribution to the world of jazz music by highlighting her collaborations with some of the industry’s finest musicians. Her groundbreaking work was not only transformative for jazz but broke barriers and carried the genre to new heights. Her unique vocal ability, improvisational prowess, and compelling performances are illuminated, drawing attention to her status as an innovative trailblazer in the music scene.

Ella Fitzgerald was known for her ability to blend musical notes into conversations and for her innovative scat singing – consecutive notes sung without specific lyrics, a technique enshrined in the annals of jazz. This film effectively explores the breadth and depth of Fitzgerald’s repertoire – including her pioneering version of scat singing, her soulful ballads, and her signature renditions of popular jazz standards. Her exemplary corpus of work is laced throughout the documentary, providing audiences with a rich sampling of her unparalleled vocal abilities and artistic versatility.

'Just One of Those Things' presents a chronologically accurate, visually engaging depiction of Fitzgerald's career arc and the broader socio-political context governing her era. The film beautifully highlights the racial barriers Ella had to overcome, navigating the arduous path between segregationist America and her ambitions that counter the status quo. It also underscores her triumph over these trials, becoming a cultural icon and source of inspiration for future generations.

Featuring interviews from some of the music industry's most established names, the film offers a rounded perspective on Ella's legacy. Intimate anecdotes by renowned dancer and choreographer Norma Miller provide insight into Fitzgerald's formidable personality and charm offstage. Ray Brown Jr, Ella's adopted son, shares warm recollections of Ella as a mother, along with the toll her relentless touring schedule took on their family life. Even Tony Bennett makes a cameo, expressing his appreciation and admiration for Fitzgerald's immeasurable talent.

What sets 'Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things' apart is its balance of biographical detail, historical information, and personal anecdotes. It detangles the many threads that connect to form the intricate tapestry of this extraordinary artist's life and work. The film steers clear of a purely idolizing approach, choosing instead to portray an honest, humane picture of Fitzgerald, complete with her struggles and victories, sorrows and joys.

A superbly arranged, lovingly crafted tribute, 'Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things' entreats audiences to appreciate the tremendous talent, and the woman behind it, in all her flawed glory. It demonstrates the joy and pain, triumphs and tribulations, and skill and struggle of a musical legend who never lost her footing on her rise to the zenith of the jazz world. It showcases how mastery of talent, paired with resilience, can influence cultural landscapes, break barriers, and leave a lasting legacy well beyond a lifetime. For both dedicated Fitzgerald fans and newcomers to her history, this film offers an insightful and intimate look into the life and career of one of the greatest voices in the history of jazz.