Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe By Jeff Peckham

Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe By Jeff Peckham

Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, two icons of their respective fields, shared an unlikely yet profound friendship. Their connection highlights the power of interracial bonds and the influence of individuals in challenging societal norms.

In the jazz world, and popular music, Ella Fitzgerald is considered the “First Lady of Song.” In Hollywood in the 1950’s, Marilyn Monroe was one of the biggest stars and box office draws.

While touring in the ’50s under the management of Norman Granz, Fitzgerald, like many African American musicians at the time, faced significant adversity because of her race, especially in the Jim Crow states. Granz was a huge proponent of civil rights and insisted that all his musicians be treated equally at hotels and venues, regardless of race.

Despite his efforts, there were many roadblocks and hurdles put into place, especially for some of the more popular African American artists. Here is one story of Fitzgerald’s struggles from her website biography:

Once, while in Dallas touring for the Philharmonic, a police squad irritated by Norman’s principles barged backstage to hassle the performers. They came into Ella’s dressing room, where band members Dizzy Gillespie and Illinois Jacquet were shooting dice, and arrested everyone. “They took us down,” Ella later recalled, “and then when we got there, they had the nerve to ask for an autograph.”

Across the country, Black musicians, regardless of popularity, were often limited to small nightclubs, having to enter through the back of the house. Similar treatment was common at restaurants and hotels.

Marilyn Monroe was an ardent fan of Ella Fitzgerald.  She deeply admired Ella’s talent and artistry. In 1954, Ella faced discrimination when the prestigious Mocambo nightclub in Los Angeles refused to book her due to her race.

Marilyn intervened. She personally called the club’s owner, Charlie Morrison, and made a bold proposition: if he booked Ella, she would ensure a packed house every night by attending herself and bringing along other Hollywood celebrities. Morrison, recognizing Marilyn’s star power, agreed.

True to her word, Marilyn attended Ella’s performances at the Mocambo, bringing with her a star-studded entourage that included Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. The club was packed, and Ella’s performances were a resounding success.

This act of advocacy by Marilyn Monroe had a significant impact on Ella Fitzgerald’s career. It not only boosted her popularity and income but also broke down racial barriers in the entertainment industry. Ella herself acknowledged Marilyn’s crucial role, stating, “I owe Marilyn Monroe a real debt.”

The friendship between these two remarkable women, though brief, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of using one’s platform to champion justice and equality. It demonstrates how unexpected connections can transcend racial boundaries and create lasting positive change.