Was there ever a voice more perfect than the one emanating from Ella Fitzgerald? Seventies commercials for Memorex utilized her vocal stylistics by comparing her perfection to their product by pointing out that either one could instantly shatter glass with little effort. It was a weird way to promote both commodities, particularly considering that Fitzgerald wasn’t exactly famous as an operatic coloratura, but those commercials at least did the job of letting us know to what extent her presence was felt. One of the best music documentaries ever made was the straight-to-cable Something To Live For, a DVD that no fan of the singer, the genre or music in general should miss. Originally broadcast as an episode of American Masters in 1999, the film details her early years, features interviews with friends and colleagues who give us a glimpse of the personality behind the voice, but best of all is the footage: piles of performances, early and late, are featured in an endlessly enjoyable parade of this woman’s insanely moving talent, a voice so perfect and sincere that it could reduce you to tears while singing a Christmas carol let alone a torch song. Given that it is directed by Charlotte Zwerin, who made a name for herself collaborating with the Maysles Brothers on films like Gimme Shelter and Grey Gardens, is it any wonder that it is a scintillating experience? Fitzgerald had her vulnerabilities (she was always very insecure about her weight) but she had some amazing strengths: in an era when famous jazz singers were instantly linked with self-destruction, she toured 360 days a year and never seems to have developed any damaging habits, instead taking her responsibility as breadwinner for her extended family very seriously. Something To Live For is released on DVD through Winstar and, sadly, is out of print. Rental copies are available.
by pointing out that either one could instantly shatter glass with little effort. It was a weird way to promote both commodities, particularly considering that Fitzgerald wasn’t exactly famous as an operatic coloratura, but those commercials at least did the job of letting us know to what extent her presence was felt. One of the best music documentaries ever made was the straight-to-cable Something To Live For, a DVD that no fan of the singer, the genre or music in general should miss. Originally broadcast as an episode of American Masters in 1999, the film details her early years, features interviews with friends and colleagues who give us a glimpse of the personality behind the voice, but best of all is the footage: piles of performances, early and late, are featured in an endlessly enjoyable parade of this woman’s insanely moving talent, a voice so perfect and sincere that it could reduce you to tears while singing a Christmas carol let alone a torch song. Given that it is directed by Charlotte Zwerin, who made a name for herself collaborating with the Maysles Brothers on films like Gimme Shelter and Grey Gardens, is it any wonder that it is a scintillating experience? Fitzgerald had her vulnerabilities (she was always very insecure about her weight) but she had some amazing strengths: in an era when famous jazz singers were instantly linked with self-destruction, she toured 360 days a year and never seems to have developed any damaging habits, instead taking her responsibility as breadwinner for her extended family very seriously. Something To Live For is released on DVD through Winstar and, sadly, is out of print. Rental copies are available.