Ella Fitzgerald stamp issued

A capacity audience of all ages filled the 400-seat Black Spectrum Theatre in Jamaica last week to honor Ella Fitzgerald as the United States Postal Service (USPS) unveiled a commemorative stamp featuring the “First Lady of Song” in celebration of Black History Month.
The 39-cent stamp, an illustration based upon a 1950s-era photograph of Fitzgerald, is the 30th in the Black Heritage commemorative stamp series issued by the USPS. The series was designed to reflect on African-American achievements and the role they have played in shaping the history of this country.
A one-time Addisleigh Park resident, Fitzgerald made her 1934 debut after being chosen to perform in the Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Among her many achievements are 13 Grammy Awards and the NAACP’s Lifetime Achievement Award.