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The Sunday Poem is published weekly, and strives to include the poet reading their work.
Mari Fitz-Wynn reads her poem at its conclusion.
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Av Tor Gulliksrud/Dagbladet/Norsk Folkemuseum/CC BY NC ND 3.0
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Ella Under the Stars
In 1960, Ella Fitzgerald’s legendary “Music Under The Stars” concert at Met Stadium in Minnesota received rave reviews, and she continued to break down racial barriers with her voice.
When Ella sang under the stars,
her voice filled the atmosphere
as she transposed Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
Her range— incredible.
When Ella sang under the stars,
golden melodies flowed skyward
while the First Lady of Song belted Blue Skies.
Her tune impeccable.
When Ella sang under the stars
‘S’ stood for skat, and Ella was the queen,
blazing vocal trails with How High the Moon.
Her improvs unforgettable.
When Ella sang under the stars,
her vocals played with the band,
then became the band, till jazz floated like Stardust.
Her presence — so irresistible.
When Ella sang under the stars,
mesmerizing everyone,
giving it all she had to Shake Down the Stars.
She was incomparable.
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Listen to Mari Fitz-Wynn read her poem
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Mari Fitz–Wynn is an award-winning author of four creative non-fiction books, including a poetry collection. Her essays and poems appear in numerous anthologies and magazines. A United Arts Literary Grant recipient, Mari is the founder and managing editor of Faith Journey Publishing, a small press with a mission to create pathways to publishing for Women of Color over forty by amplifying underrepresented voices.
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Watch the 1960 video of Ella Fitzgerald performing live in Australia
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Click for:
The 2023 Jerry Jazz Musician interview with Judith Tick, author of Becoming Ella Fitzgerald: The Jazz Singer Who Transformed American Song
More poetry on Jerry Jazz Musician
War. Remembrance. Walls. The High Price of Authoritarianism – by editor/publisher Joe Maita
“The Sound of Becoming,” J.C. Michaels’ winning story in the 70th Jerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Contest
More short fiction on Jerry Jazz Musician
Information about how to submit your poetry or short fiction
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