Ella Johnson Dies

[Brownian Motion]

I haven't heard much of her singing, but I love her rendition of her brorther Buddy Johnson's song "Since I Fell for You".

Ella Johnson, a jazz singer who performed with her brother

Buddy Johnson in his dance bands in the 1940's and 50's,

died in New York on Feb. 16, her nephew James Johnson Jr.

said. She was 86.

A smooth singer with a seductive delivery, Ms. Johnson was

often compared to Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. But

as a part of her brother's rollicking bands, she also

helped forge a link to R&B and early rock 'n' roll.

Ms. Johnson was born in Darlington, S.C., and moved to New

York to join Buddy, her older brother, while still in her

teens. Though only two years older than Ella, Buddy had

become an established musician in New York and was leading

groups at the Savoy Ballroom and elsewhere.

Her first hit with Buddy was "Please, Mr. Johnson" in 1940,

and she continued to record and perform with him into the

1960's. Among her best-known songs was "Since I Fell for

You (1945), a ballad written by Buddy that was later

performed by Mel Tormé and George Shearing, Annie Laurie,

Lenny Welch and others.

She also sang "When My Man Comes Home," "Hittin' on Me,"

"Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?" and "I Don't

Want Nobody."

Among her survivors are her husband, Odell Day; four

brothers, Edward Parrott and Earl Johnson of Darlington,

and Allan and Wesley Parrott of New York; a sister, Hattie

Miller of Landover, Md.; and a granddaughter, Lisa.

[John L]

I had no idea that she was still among us. RIP

[JSngry]

Nor did I. She was pretty important in some circles, some of which (Turrentine, Etta Jones) are pretty important to many on this board.

R.I.P. indeed.

[Tom in RI]

Sad news. The notes to the Bear Family set on Buddy Johnson say that Ella left secular music when Buddy stopped band leading, which was/is a shame. She should have done a set with Roomful of Blues ala Big Joe Turner or Cleanhead Vinson, it might have brought her to the attention of a whole new generation.

Edited March 21, 2004 by Tom in RI