Ella Fitzgerald Costumes

Jumpsuit, mint green silk heavily with rhinestones, faux pearls and fringe. Evening gown, grey silk with black silk and velvet overlay.

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Reference code

US US.INSON Mss 064

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Item

Title

Ella Fitzgerald Costumes

Date(s)

  • 1965-1975 (Creation)

Extent

6 lft; 2 black gown boxes

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Name of creator

(1917-1966)

Biographical history

Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) was born in Newport News, Virginia, to William and Temperance Fitzgerald. She was first discovered in an amateur contest and became the first African-American woman to win a GRAMMY, eventually winning 13 total. Known as the “First lady of song,” she sold millions of albums throughout her singing career.

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Scope and content

The collection includes two costumes created for Ella Fitzgerald for concert performances. The first, a grey silk evening gown with a black silk and velvet floral overlay, was worn by the singer on stage in the 1960s. The second, mint green silk jumpsuit heavily adorned with rhinestones, faux pearls and fringe on the sleeves and waistline, was worn by the singer on stage in the early 1970s. An inside label reads "Elizabeth Courtney/Costumes Hollywood."

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Custodial history

The costumes were purchased by Ella Fitzgerald. Upon her death, presumably the costumes were placed with the auction house Sotheby's, then Bonham's auction house, where they were purchased by the donor, Madeline Garcia in 2006.

Immediate source of acquisition

The costumes were donated by Madeline Garcia.

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