Ella Jane Fitzgerald ( April 25 , 1917 -- June 15 , 1996 ) , was an American jazz singer . People also called her `` Lady Ella '' , the `` Queen of Jazz '' and the `` First Lady of Song '' . Ella Jane Fitzgerald ( April 25 , 1917 â `` June 15 , 1996 ) , also known as the `` First Lady of Song '' and `` Lady Ella , '' was an American jazz and song vocalist .