The Unlikely Bond: Ella Fitzgerald & Marilyn Monroe's Friendship
A Glimpse into Two Legends: Biographical Sketches
Before diving into the specifics of their extraordinary friendship, it's essential to understand the individual journeys of these two remarkable women. Both Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe navigated complex paths to stardom, facing unique challenges that shaped their characters and, ultimately, their bond.Ella Fitzgerald: The First Lady of Song
Ella Fitzgerald, born in Newport News, Virginia, in 1917, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most revered vocalists of all time. Her early life was marked by hardship; orphaned as a teenager, she faced poverty and even a stint in a reform school. However, her innate talent for singing shone through, leading to her debut at the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night in 1934. Her career quickly took off, and by the 1950s, she was already considered the undisputed Queen of Jazz, wowing audiences with her breathtaking vocals and unparalleled improvisational skills, particularly her scat singing. Despite her immense talent and growing fame, Fitzgerald, as an African American woman, frequently encountered the harsh realities of racial segregation and discrimination in the entertainment industry. While she could fill concert halls and sell records, certain exclusive venues, especially those catering to a predominantly white, high-society clientele, remained stubbornly closed off to her. This systemic barrier was a constant roadblock, preventing her from reaching her full potential in specific circuits, regardless of her artistic brilliance.| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | April 25, 1917, Newport News, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | June 15, 1996, Beverly Hills, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Known For | "First Lady of Song," "Queen of Jazz," Scat singing |
| Genres | Jazz, Swing, Pop, Bebop |
| Labels | Decca, Verve, Capitol, Pablo |
Marilyn Monroe: The Hollywood Icon
Norma Jeane Mortenson, famously known as Marilyn Monroe, was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1926. Her life, much like Fitzgerald's, was fraught with early challenges, including a difficult childhood spent largely in foster homes. Monroe's ascent to superstardom was meteoric, transforming her into the quintessential blonde bombshell and a global sex symbol. Her impressive canon of iconic movies cemented her status as one of Hollywood's most enduring legends. Despite her dazzling public persona, Monroe faced her own battles behind the scenes, including ongoing conflicts with movie studio bigwigs who sought to control her image and career, as well as turbulent personal relationships. What many might not realize about Marilyn was her profound intellect and her diverse interests. Via the Library of Congress, it's noted that in addition to being a huge reader, she was also a dedicated fan of jazz. This intellectual curiosity and genuine appreciation for the arts would become a key bridge in her friendship with Ella Fitzgerald.| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | June 1, 1926, Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | August 4, 1962, Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, Singer |
| Known For | Sex symbol, Hollywood icon, "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "Some Like It Hot" |
| Spouses | James Dougherty (m. 1942; div. 1946), Joe DiMaggio (m. 1954; div. 1954), Arthur Miller (m. 1956; div. 1961) |
The Unsung Admiration: Monroe's Respect for Fitzgerald
The foundation of the friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe was built on a bedrock of profound mutual respect, particularly Monroe's deep admiration for Fitzgerald's musical genius. When once asked about her favorite singers, Marilyn Monroe answered, "Well, my very favorite person, and I love her as a person as well as a singer, I think she's the greatest, and that's Ella." This wasn't just a casual compliment; it was a heartfelt declaration from a woman whose star was rising, indicating a genuine appreciation that went beyond the superficial. Reportedly, Monroe respected Fitzgerald so much that, in the years preceding the "Mocambo call" (which we'll discuss shortly), she had even scrutinized Ella’s early recordings to help develop her own voice. This speaks volumes about Monroe's dedication to her craft and her discerning ear for true talent. When she needed help with her singing, she wanted only the best—and the best, in her estimation, was the brilliant Ella Fitzgerald. This deep artistic reverence laid the groundwork for a personal bond that would prove to be pivotal for both women.The Mocambo Turning Point: A Call That Changed History
The story that truly cemented the legacy of the friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe revolves around a specific event in 1955: Ella's booking at the exclusive Mocambo nightclub in West Hollywood. This anecdote, currently circulating around social media, highlights Marilyn's pivotal role in breaking down racial barriers in the entertainment industry. In the 1950s, despite Ella Fitzgerald's undeniable status as the "Queen of Jazz," racial divides still shut her out from certain stages. The Mocambo was one such venue – a swanky, high-profile club that was a favorite among Hollywood's elite, but notoriously resistant to booking Black artists, especially for extended engagements. It would take an unconventional partnership with Marilyn Monroe, Hollywood’s golden girl, to help change all that. The truth behind this viral anecdote, as confirmed by Fitzgerald herself, is that Marilyn Monroe did indeed help Ella Fitzgerald book a gig at the exclusive Mocambo night club in 1955. As Fitzgerald commented years later for an August 1972 issue of *Ms. Magazine*, “I owe Marilyn Monroe a real debt… she personally called the owner of the Mocambo and told him she wanted me booked immediately, and if he [did], she would come every single night.” According to another account, "Marilyn read this in the paper and got very annoyed," Greene recalled, "and called the manager and said, ‘Hi, this is Marilyn Monroe and if you rebook Ella Fitzgerald I will come every [night].'" Monroe's star was at the height of her popularity then. Wherever she went, reporters and photographers followed. She had apparently let the press know she'd be at the Mocambo to see Ella perform. The club owner, undoubtedly recognizing the immense publicity and star power Monroe would bring, immediately capitulated. This single phone call from Marilyn Monroe became a watershed moment, not just for Ella's career, but for the jazz scene in Hollywood, demonstrating the immense influence a celebrity could wield against ingrained prejudices.The Aftermath: A Career Transformed
The impact of Marilyn Monroe's intervention at the Mocambo cannot be overstated. After Monroe helped arrange Fitzgerald’s debut at Mocambo, the fortunes of the Queen of Jazz largely changed. The engagement was a resounding success, drawing unprecedented crowds and media attention, largely thanks to Monroe's nightly presence in the front row. This exposure at such a high-profile, previously inaccessible venue opened doors for Fitzgerald that had long been closed due to racial discrimination. The Mocambo gig proved that Ella Fitzgerald could not only perform for, but also captivate, any audience, regardless of their background or the venue's traditional clientele. It dismantled the unspoken rule that certain clubs were off-limits to Black performers. This performance changed the jazz scene in Hollywood by forcing other exclusive clubs to reconsider their booking policies, realizing the financial and cultural benefits of embracing diverse talent. Ella's career soared to even greater heights, solidifying her status as a global phenomenon, and she never forgot the debt she owed to her friend.Beyond the Stage: The Depth of Their Friendship
The Mocambo story is often the most widely circulated aspect of their relationship, but the bond between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe ran much deeper. They were, in fact, close friends. The two talented ladies remained friends until Monroe's tragic passing in 1962. Their friendship, though perhaps eclipsed by the pills that would later cause Monroe’s death and the sensationalism surrounding her life, is an often overlooked aspect of her short and troubled life. Currently circulating around social media is a sweet story about Marilyn Monroe, often accompanied by a photograph of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe in a nightclub in the 1950s. While all photographs are accurate, as the celebrated photographer Richard Avedon once wrote, "None of them is the truth." This quote reminds us that a single image, while capturing a moment, doesn't always convey the full complexity of a relationship. However, the consistent narrative from those close to them, and from Ella herself, confirms the authenticity of their camaraderie. Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe were mutual supporters. They were different on the outside, with Ella embodying grace and vocal power, and Marilyn exuding bombshell looks and undeniable sex appeal. Yet, both were full of hopes and dreams, and while their circumstances were humble in their early lives, after they got their big breaks—Ella in jazz singing and Marilyn in acting—each struggled to reach her full potential against societal and industry pressures. Their shared experiences of striving for greatness in a demanding world likely fostered a unique understanding between them. Ella Fitzgerald herself noted, "Marilyn was an unusual woman. A little ahead of her times." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates Monroe's progressive spirit and her willingness to challenge norms, which undoubtedly resonated with Fitzgerald.Overlooked Bonds and Lasting Legacies
Of all the friendships between famous women, that of jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald and actor Marilyn Monroe may be one of the least known. The story of their camaraderie was apparently so obscure that audiences of a 2008 play based on the story believed it to be fictional. This obscurity is a testament to how often the true depth of Monroe's character and her genuine relationships were overshadowed by her public persona and tragic end. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in exploring this unique connection. A new book explores the unlikely friendship between icons Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, including how they bonded and almost made an album together. Furthermore, a 2020 picture book, Vivian Kirkfield's *Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe*, also tells their story. In the author's note posted at *Publishers Weekly*, Kirkfield applauds the relationship and quotes Fitzgerald, further solidifying the historical accuracy and importance of their bond. This resurgence of interest helps to paint a more complete picture of both women, particularly Marilyn Monroe, whose life is often reduced to sensational headlines. It highlights her intellectual curiosity, her kindness, and her advocacy for others. For Ella Fitzgerald, it adds another layer to her incredible journey, showcasing how even the most talented individuals sometimes need an unexpected ally to overcome systemic barriers.The Power of Sisterhood in a Man's World
The friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe serves as a powerful testament to the strength of sisterhood, especially within the often cutthroat and male-dominated industries of Hollywood and music in the mid-20th century. In an era where women were frequently pitted against each other, particularly in the public eye, their mutual support stood out as a beacon of genuine connection. Marilyn Monroe, despite her own ongoing battles with movie studio bigwigs and boyfriends, chose to use her considerable influence not for personal gain, but to uplift another woman who was facing discrimination. This act of solidarity was groundbreaking. Ella Fitzgerald, a Black woman, faced racial barriers, while Marilyn, a white woman, battled the misogynistic expectations and control of the studio system. Despite their different struggles, they recognized a shared humanity and a common need for support. Their story underscores how powerful alliances can be formed across perceived divides, offering a blueprint for how women can champion each other in spaces that often seek to diminish them. Their bond was a quiet revolution, proving that empathy and mutual respect can forge connections stronger than any societal prejudice.Conclusion
The story of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe is far more than a simple anecdote; it is a compelling narrative of mutual respect, genuine friendship, and the transformative power of one person's advocacy for another. From Marilyn's deep admiration for Ella's unparalleled talent to her decisive phone call that opened the doors of the Mocambo, their bond fundamentally altered the course of jazz history and challenged racial barriers in Hollywood. Their friendship, though often overlooked, reveals the true character of both women: Ella's resilience and extraordinary talent, and Marilyn's intelligence, kindness, and willingness to use her star power for good. It reminds us that behind the glitz and glamour, there were profound human connections that shaped their lives and legacies. We encourage you to delve deeper into the lives of these two extraordinary women. What do you find most inspiring about the friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or explore other articles on our site that shed light on the unsung heroes and surprising connections of history.
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