Very early in her career, Marilyn Monroe’s vocal coach insisted that she study Ella Fitzgerald’s singing. Rumor has it that the coach ordered Monroe to buy all of Fitzgerald’s records, and listen to them 100 times in a row. This made Monroe not only a pretty solid singer, but it was the beginning of a strange and beautiful friendship.
By the 1950’s, Ella Fitzgerald was jazz royalty. And yet, even she couldn’t sing in America’s biggest nightclubs. Prejudice kept her and countless other jazz legends relegated to smaller venues, and forced them to enter through the kitchen. Even Fitzgerald’s agent, Norman Granz, who insisted that all his clients be treated equally, couldn’t get her into some of the best venues.
One of those venues was Hollywood’s Mocambo Club. Sinatra made his LA debut there. Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Lana Turner had reserved tables. But Ella wasn’t allowed through the door. Until, that is, an unlikely friend made a phone call. “I owe Marilyn Monroe a real debt,” said Ella. “She personally called the Mocambo’s owner and told him she wanted me booked immediately. The owner said yes. And Marilyn was there, front table, every night. After that, I never had to play a small jazz club again.”
Here is Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, each singing, “Heatwave”
“Soundtrack to the Struggle” is written and produced by Ron Adkins. Executive Producer Dennis Green. Host: Hollis Monroe.
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