Ella Fitzgerald Net Worth (Updated 2026).
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Ella Fitzgerald’s journey to stardom began at the Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night in 1934. Then just 17 years old, she stepped onto the stage, her voice filled with a confidence that belied her years. That night, she sang “Judy,” a popular tune by bandleader Teddy Hill, and won first prize, a chance to perform with Hill’s orchestra at the Savoy Ballroom.
Fitzgerald’s big break came a year later when she joined the Chick Webb Orchestra. Her powerful, emotive vocals quickly made her the band’s star attraction. In 1938, she recorded her first hit, “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” with Webb’s orchestra, marking the beginning of her rise to fame.
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Ella Fitzgerald’s Current Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Ella Fitzgerald’s current net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This figure is based on her extensive music catalog, royalties, and various investments.
Career
Ella Fitzgerald, born in 1917, was an American jazz singer known for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, and a range spanning three octaves. She won 13 Grammy Awards and sold over 40 million albums worldwide. Her signature scat singing and interpretations of the Great American Songbook made her a jazz icon.
Other Ventures
Beyond her music career, Fitzgerald was involved in several other ventures. She was a co-owner of the Hollywood Stars baseball team in the 1940s. She also appeared in films like “Pete Kelly’s Blues” and “St. Louis Blues,” showcasing her talent beyond music.
Assets
Fitzgerald’s assets include her extensive music catalog, which is still generating royalties. She also owned several properties throughout her life, including homes in California and New York. Her personal effects, such as her Grammy Awards and other memorabilia, are also valuable assets.
Annual Income
Ella Fitzgerald’s annual income was primarily derived from her music sales, royalties, and concert performances during her active years. Her peak earning years were in the 1950s and 1960s, with her annual income estimated to be around $1 million in today’s dollars. Post her retirement, her income was mainly from royalties and residuals from her extensive discography.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ella Fitzgerald
**Frequently Asked Questions: Ella Fitzgerald Net Worth**
1. What is Ella Fitzgerald’s net worth?
Ella Fitzgerald’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million at the time of her death in 1996.
2. How did Ella Fitzgerald make her money?
Ella Fitzgerald made her money primarily through her successful music career. She was a renowned jazz singer and songwriter, known for her unique voice and improvisation skills. She also earned money from record sales, concert tours, and endorsements.
3. When was Ella Fitzgerald born?
Ella Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia.
4. What was Ella Fitzgerald’s cause of death?
Ella Fitzgerald died on June 15, 1996, due to complications from diabetes.
5. How many Grammy Awards did Ella Fitzgerald win?
Ella Fitzgerald won 13 Grammy Awards throughout her career, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1967.
6. What was Ella Fitzgerald’s first hit song?
Ella Fitzgerald’s first hit song was “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” in 1938, which she recorded with the Chick Webb Orchestra.
7. Did Ella Fitzgerald have any children?
Yes, Ella Fitzgerald had one child, a daughter named Ray Brown Jr., born in 1938. Ray was adopted by Ella’s manager and husband, Norman Granz.
8. What was Ella Fitzgerald’s first album?
Ella Fitzgerald’s first album as a leader was “Ella Fitzgerald Sings Cole Porter” in 1956, part of her popular songbook series.
9. What was Ella Fitzgerald’s most famous song?
Ella Fitzgerald’s most famous song is “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” which she recorded in 1960 with the Mello-Tones.
10. Where is Ella Fitzgerald buried?
Ella Fitzgerald is buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California.
