AMG Review of Best of Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song

Michael G. Nastos
All Music Guide

Comprising 16 of the 51 tracks (one-third) from the original First Lady of Song three-CD collection, this edited single disc is for those disinclined to purchase the full set or complete works. It might be advisable first to search for any full album sides of specific sessions or tributes to composers that Ella Fitzgerald had done, but this smaller compilation does contain some of her better songs, falling short of an essential greatest-hits or best-of effort. Such all-time classics as "Can't We Be Friends?," "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," "Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'," "Baby, Don't You Go 'Way Mad," "I Won't Dance," and "Don't Be That Way" are definitive Ella, and are included. The bargain hunter in you might find this at a good price, but saving up for the larger sets should be your aim.