Meaning: The quote refers to the iconic jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald and her influential songbooks. It was spoken by Johnny Mathis, a renowned musician who, like Fitzgerald, has made a significant impact on the music industry. In this quote, Mathis expresses his admiration for Fitzgerald and her extraordinary contributions to music through her songbooks.

Ella Fitzgerald is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. Born in 1917 in Newport News, Virginia, Fitzgerald's career spanned over six decades, during which she gained acclaim for her exceptional vocal talent, improvisational ability, and wide vocal range. She became known for her scat singing, a vocal improvisation with wordless syllables, which showcased her impressive vocal dexterity.

Fitzgerald's songbooks are collections of recordings that she released throughout her career, each focusing on the work of a particular composer or within a specific genre. Her songbooks are revered for their musical excellence and have had a profound influence on subsequent generations of vocalists and musicians. Fitzgerald's interpretations of the Great American Songbook, a collection of popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century, are particularly celebrated for their artistry and timeless appeal.

One of the most well-known and highly regarded songbook series by Fitzgerald is the "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook," released in 1956. The album features Fitzgerald's interpretations of classic compositions by renowned songwriter Cole Porter, including "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "Night and Day." Her masterful renditions of these timeless standards solidified her reputation as an incomparable interpreter of popular music.

In addition to the Cole Porter Songbook, Fitzgerald also released acclaimed songbooks dedicated to the works of other influential composers, such as George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Duke Ellington. These recordings showcased her ability to infuse each song with her unique style and vocal prowess, earning her widespread admiration and critical acclaim.

Johnny Mathis' admiration for Ella Fitzgerald's songbooks reflects the widespread impact and enduring legacy of her musical contributions. As a fellow musician, Mathis recognizes the significance of Fitzgerald's work in shaping the landscape of popular music and inspiring future generations of artists. Fitzgerald's songbooks continue to be revered as essential recordings in the jazz and popular music canon, serving as a testament to her unparalleled artistry and influence.

In conclusion, Ella Fitzgerald's songbooks represent a remarkable body of work that has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Through her exceptional vocal talent and interpretive skills, Fitzgerald elevated the art of singing and set a standard of excellence that continues to be celebrated to this day. Johnny Mathis' acknowledgment of her songbooks as "some of the most amazing bodies of work" reaffirms the enduring impact of Fitzgerald's contributions to the music industry and her status as a legendary figure in jazz and popular music history.