Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
Porgy & Bess
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

2015 repress in shrink. Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s rendition of "Porgy & Bess," recorded in 1957 and released by Verve Records, stands as a remarkable jazz interpretation of George Gershwin's iconic folk opera. This album marks the third and final collaboration between Fitzgerald and Armstrong, under the production guidance of Norman Granz. Unlike earlier jazz adaptations or the original operatic performances, this project brought together two of jazz’s most distinctive voices, blending Fitzgerald’s clarity and Armstrong’s gravelly timbre. The orchestral arrangements by Russell Garcia provided a lush backdrop that honored Gershwin’s compositions while also allowing the pair’s improvisational talents to shine.