FIRST LADY OF SONG Ella Fitzgerald for the Record

While this work is, at best, an enthusiast’s attempt at a biography—its subject is, arguably, the best popular singer ever. The cataloging of Fitzgerald’s many television and other media appearances, as well as the discography, is helpful, but the writer’s worship of his subject heavily colors the work. Additionally, the author’s narration sounds unprofessional by the many unedited pauses and sounds of shifting papers. Mouth sounds and other studio realities also should have been eliminated. Ultimately, one is disappointed that this audiobook does not live up to its subject. W.A.G. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2013]