Okay, time for a musical diversion.

Today would have been the 90th birthday of The "First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald. She won 13 Grammys, sold over 40-million recordings and was the most popular female jazz vocalist for more than half a century. Her successful career grew from humble roots, as outlined in her official bio:

"What's she going to do?"

In 1934 Ella's name was pulled in a weekly drawing at the Apollo and she won the opportunity to compete in Amateur Night. Ella went to the theater that night planning to dance, but when the frenzied Edwards Sisters closed the main show, Ella changed her mind. "They were the dancingest sisters around," Ella said, and she felt her act would not compare.

Once on stage, faced with boos and murmurs of "What's she going to do?" from the rowdy crowd, a scared and disheveled Ella made the last minute decision to sing. She asked the band to play Hoagy Carmichael's "Judy," a song she knew well because Connee Boswell's rendition of it was among her mother's favorites. Ella quickly quieted the audience, and by the song's end they were demanding an encore. She obliged and sang the flip side of the Boswell Sister's record, "The Object of My Affections."

Ella was 17. Shortly thereafter, she would catch the attention of drummer and band leader Chick Webb, who would go on to hire Ella for $12.50 a week.

This performance of "How High The Moon" allows Ella to use just about every tool in her vast vocal arsenal, from scatting, singing, improvisation, high notes, low notes....you name it!

Long Live the First Lady of Song!