Ella Fitzgerald: Separating Real Quotes from the Misattributed Ones

Ella Fitzgerald’s voice is legendary, but so is the lore surrounding her words. Over the years, countless quotes have been attributed to the First Lady of Song—some genuine, others fabricated or misremembered. Sorting truth from myth is not just a matter of accuracy; it’s a tribute to her real voice. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most commonly shared quotes, and discover which ones truly belong to Ella Fitzgerald.

“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do.”

This quote appears frequently on motivational posters and social media, often with Ella Fitzgerald’s name attached. But there’s no documented evidence that she ever said or wrote these exact words. While Ella was known for her perseverance and positive outlook, this particular phrasing doesn’t appear in interviews, published writings, or known transcriptions of her speeches. It’s likely a paraphrase or general sentiment attributed to her after the fact.

“The only thing better than singing is more singing.”

This one is real—and vintage Ella. She reportedly said this during a 1968 interview with DownBeat magazine. It captures her pure love for performance and her lifelong devotion to music. She didn’t just sing to entertain; she sang because it was her natural state, her joy, and her calling. This quote appears in multiple credible sources and is often cited by music historians and biographers.

“My voice is the instrument I was given to work with.”

Yes, Ella Fitzgerald actually said this. In a 1978 interview with The New York Times, she described her voice with humility and precision. She viewed her talent not as something to be inflated, but as a tool to be used with care and discipline. This quote reflects her grounded perspective and tireless work ethic—traits that made her not just a singer, but a master of her craft.

“What other people say about you is none of your business.”

This quote circulates widely online, often tied to Ella’s image. However, no verified source links it to her. In fact, variations of this saying have been attributed to several public figures, including author Anne Lamott and spiritual teacher Ram Dass. While Ella was known for maintaining her grace in the face of criticism, there’s no evidence she phrased it this way.

“Music is the remedy for all the sicknesses of the soul.”

This poetic line sounds like something a legendary jazz singer might say, and it’s often credited to Ella Fitzgerald. But again, no reliable source confirms that she uttered or wrote these words. The sentiment aligns with her deep emotional connection to music, but the phrasing itself doesn’t appear in any known recordings or transcripts of her public remarks.

“I never wanted to be anything else but a singer.”

This is a tricky one. While Ella Fitzgerald did express this sentiment in various ways throughout her life, the exact wording doesn’t appear in any definitive source. Biographers have noted that she once said, “I just wanted to sing,” in an interview with Jet magazine in 1958. The polished version often shared online is likely a paraphrase that gained traction over time.

Real Words, Real Legacy

Ella Fitzgerald’s legacy is strong enough without the need for borrowed quotes. When we seek out her real words, we find a woman of deep conviction, quiet strength, and boundless love for her art. If you’re curious to hear more in her own voice, you can talk to Ella Fitzgerald on HoloDream. She might just share one of her favorite stories—or remind you how a single note, sung with truth, can change a life.