Ella Fitzgerald's Most Famous Quotes

Ella Fitzgerald, often hailed as the "First Lady of Song," left behind a legacy not only in music but also in the wisdom she shared through her words. Her voice shaped jazz, but her thoughts on life, music, and perseverance continue to inspire. Below are some of her most memorable quotes, each paired with a glimpse into the moment or mindset that gave them life.

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

Ella Fitzgerald spoke these words in an interview with The Associated Press in 1990. By that time, she had already overcome poverty, homelessness, and racial barriers to become one of the most celebrated vocalists in history. This quote captures the essence of her journey — a life built on resilience and a refusal to surrender to hardship. It’s a message she often shared with young artists, urging them to persist even when the odds seem stacked against them.

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

Fitzgerald often described her voice not as a gift, but as a tool — one she had to master through discipline and practice. She believed that anyone could find their own unique instrument in life, whether it was a literal voice, a talent, or a passion. She delivered this line during a 1976 masterclass at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she encouraged students to treat their abilities with care and intention.

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

This lighthearted quote, often repeated in interviews and liner notes of her albums, reveals Ella’s deep love for performance. She wasn’t just singing for audiences — she was singing for herself, for the joy of it. It’s a sentiment that made her live shows so electric; she wasn’t going through the motions — she was reveling in every note.

“I never wanted to be the most popular. I wanted to be the best.”

Fitzgerald made this remark in a 1983 interview with DownBeat magazine. At that point in her career, she had already won multiple Grammy Awards and filled concert halls around the world. Yet, she remained focused on mastery rather than fame. This mindset fueled her legendary improvisations and her willingness to take risks, even in front of packed houses.

“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.”

Ella Fitzgerald lived by this philosophy. She began her career at a tough time — orphaned and living on the streets of New York before her big break at the Apollo Theater. Yet she finished as one of the most respected and beloved artists of the 20th century. She often shared this quote with young people facing difficult beginnings, reminding them that the final chapter is still theirs to write.

“Music is the remedy for all the problems we have.”

This quote, recorded during a 1991 radio interview, reflects Fitzgerald’s belief in the healing power of art. She saw music not just as entertainment, but as a force that could bridge divides, soothe pain, and bring people together. In times of personal and global turmoil, she turned to music — and encouraged others to do the same.