Ella Fitzgerald Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Cry Me A RiverElla Fitzgerald22rank/position

Ella Fitzgerald – Cry me a river

“Cry Me A River,” a classic of jazz and blues.

In Japanese, its meaning is rendered as “tears become a river.” As you might imagine from that, it tells the story of someone whose breakup has turned into a big mess.

The weighty melody adds depth.

Days of Wine and RosesElla Fitzgerald23rank/position

Days of Wine and Roses – Ella Fitzgerald

The Japanese title “Sake to Bara no Hibi” (“Days of Wine and Roses”) is famous as one of the jazz standards, but it was originally the theme song for an American film of the same name.

(It seems the film itself wasn’t much of a hit.) However, the theme song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and it has since been covered by many musicians up to the present day.

Early AutumnElla Fitzgerald24rank/position

Early Autumn

Ella Fitzgerald stands alongside Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan as one of the defining female jazz singers of the 20th century.

If you’ve dabbled in jazz even a little, you’ve probably heard her voice at least once.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend for September is Early Autumn.

As it’s a piece that depicts autumn, it pairs perfectly with September.

It’s also a standard, so there are many covers out there.

Be sure to compare her version with those by other singers.

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Ryo

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Frosty The SnowmanElla Fitzgerald25rank/position

Ella Fitzgerald – Frosty The Snowman (Official Video)

Ella Fitzgerald, America’s premier female jazz singer, brings “Frosty the Snowman” to life with her captivating, resonant voice in a performance brimming with swing and drive.

Recorded by many musicians over the years, the song has become a Christmas-season staple.

Ella Fitzgerald released her version in 1960.

Her rendition of “Frosty the Snowman” will continue to be listened to and celebrated as an eternal Christmas standard.

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nikki

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Good Morning BluesElla Fitzgerald26rank/position

Ella Fitzgerald – Good Morning Blues

Ella Fitzgerald, a legend in the jazz world.

She has released several Christmas albums, and this is a Christmas song from one of them, A Swinging Christmas.

It’s recommended for those who think, “Instrumentals are nice, but jazz is all about the vocals!”

Have Yourself A Merry Little ChristmasElla Fitzgerald27rank/position

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Originally written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane and used in the 1944 musical Meet Me in St.

Louis.

It has been covered by many artists, including Frank Sinatra and Sam Smith.

This version is by Ella Fitzgerald, the pinnacle of female jazz singers.

How High the MoonElla Fitzgerald28rank/position

Ella Fitzgerald- “How High The Moon/Epic scat” LIVE 1966 [RITY Archives]

Here is a jazz standard that weaves a moving love story.

Sung by Ella Fitzgerald, known as the Queen of Jazz, this piece is memorable for its poignant lyrics that compare the emotional distance between lovers to the height of the moon.

Her clear voice and masterful scat singing further enhance the song’s charm.

Since its premiere at Carnegie Hall in September 1947, it has continued to captivate many fans.

It’s a perfect track not only for jazz enthusiasts but also for those troubled by love—a classic to savor on a quiet night.