That Swingin' Sound!: The Musical Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

This rhythmic read-aloud picture book biography that’s “as dynamic as it is informative” (BCCB, starred review) dances through the musical childhoods of jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, their rise to stardom, and the friendship that kept them swingin’.

Ella Fitzgerald loved to dance. When little Ella heard jazz music, the music notes moved her legs as she twirled around New York City. Way down south, Louis Armstrong loved to sing. When jazz music played, young Louis’s voice rumbled like a steam train in New Orleans. While Ella dreamed of dancing on stage and Louis of being a famous singer, it wasn’t until they switched things up that they became famous, Ella for singing and Louis playing the trumpet.

The two jazz musicians had heard of each other, but never had a chance to meet. Until one magical night when they took the stage together, the music started to swing, and a lifelong musical friendship was born.

This true story about world-renowned jazz artists Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s musical partnership is a testament to the power of dreams, music, and friendship to help us all keep playing on.