8 artworks by Simone (Selection)
Download as PDFA Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald • 8 artworks
A celebration of Ella Fitzgerald, Lady of Song. Some images in this gallery are on exhibit in the Rainbow [...]
A celebration of Ella Fitzgerald, Lady of Song.
Some images in this gallery are on exhibit in the Rainbow Cinema lobby in Toronto, Canada from October 1st to October 30, 2014. This exhibition was also displayed at Mojo Music in Oakville, Canada.
I was surprised to find that Ella and Marilyn Monroe were pals. According to Ella's official website and some other online sources, Marilyn Monroe was instrumental in booking her for Mocambo.
Despite the outstanding musicality of black musicians, the Mocambo owner was resistant to book Black artists at his establishment. I toast Marilyn Monroe for seeing beyond race and using her powers for good.
“I owe Marilyn Monroe a real debt. It was because of her that I played the Mocambo, a very popular nightclub in the ’50s. She personally called the owner of the Mocambo (who had refused to book Fitzgerald because she was black), and told him she wanted me booked immediately, and if he would do it, she would take a front table every night. She told him - and it was true, due to Marilyn’s superstar status - that the press would go wild. The owner said yes, and Marilyn was there, front table, every night. The press went overboard… After that, I never had to play a small jazz club again. She was an unusual woman - a little ahead of her times. And she didn’t know it.”
Some images in this gallery are on exhibit in the Rainbow Cinema lobby in Toronto, Canada from October 1st to October 30, 2014. This exhibition was also displayed at Mojo Music in Oakville, Canada.
I was surprised to find that Ella and Marilyn Monroe were pals. According to Ella's official website and some other online sources, Marilyn Monroe was instrumental in booking her for Mocambo.
Despite the outstanding musicality of black musicians, the Mocambo owner was resistant to book Black artists at his establishment. I toast Marilyn Monroe for seeing beyond race and using her powers for good.
“I owe Marilyn Monroe a real debt. It was because of her that I played the Mocambo, a very popular nightclub in the ’50s. She personally called the owner of the Mocambo (who had refused to book Fitzgerald because she was black), and told him she wanted me booked immediately, and if he would do it, she would take a front table every night. She told him - and it was true, due to Marilyn’s superstar status - that the press would go wild. The owner said yes, and Marilyn was there, front table, every night. The press went overboard… After that, I never had to play a small jazz club again. She was an unusual woman - a little ahead of her times. And she didn’t know it.”
"Go Ella"
Not For Sale
Simone
"Ella & Louis"
Painting on Paper | 8.5x11 in
Not For Sale
Simone
"Ella & Marilyn"
Drawing | 11x14 in
Not For Sale
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