Ella Fitzgerald Popular Song Rankings [2026]

It’s Only a Paper MoonElla Fitzgerald29rank/position

Ella Fitzgerald – It’s Only a Paper Moon

Set against a fantastical world of paper moons and cardboard seas, this classic song depicts how love makes reality shine brighter, all gently embraced by the warm, tender voice of America’s own Ella Fitzgerald.

Recorded in March 1945 in collaboration with the Delta Rhythm Boys, the piece blends a buoyantly swinging melody with deeply affectionate vocals in perfect harmony.

It’s a gem that captures, with a bright and optimistic tone, how meeting a beloved person can illuminate the ordinary day-to-day.

Featured in many works—including the 1973 film “Paper Moon”—it’s a perfect choice for welcoming a new season and sharing a heartwarming moment with someone special.

My Funny ValentineElla Fitzgerald30rank/position

My Funny Valentine (Late Show – Live (1958/Chicago))

Here’s a minor-key ballad from 1937 by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart that suits Japanese tastes.

The lyrics tell a pure love story: my beloved Valentine isn’t pretty and isn’t smart, but I want her just the way she is.

Both the melody and the lyrical flow are slow, making it an easy song to try.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerElla Fitzgerald31rank/position

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Can you tell what song it is from the title “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”? That’s right—it’s the song known in Japan as “Akanohana no Tonakai.” This version is by the legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, which preserves the song’s charming cuteness while turning it into a moody big band jazz number.

Sleigh RideElla Fitzgerald32rank/position

Sleigh Ride

I think everyone has heard it before.

It’s a relatively up-tempo, classic, standard jazz number arranged from a timeless Christmas song.

It has a mood loved by all ages, from children to adults, and it’s still heard in many places today.

Highly recommended as BGM, it will surely make your Christmas party a delightful time.

Someone to Watch Over MeElla Fitzgerald33rank/position

Someone To Watch Over Me

Someone to Watch Over Me, sung by the American jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald, is a jazz standard that has even been used in commercials in Japan.

It’s a collaboration by the Gershwin brothers—lyrics by the older brother Ira and music by the younger brother George.

The lyrics, about searching for a beloved, make it a perfect song for autumn’s wistful mood.

In Ella’s version, she starts with the verse—the introductory section placed before the main body of the song, which is often omitted in instrumental versions—so be sure to give it a listen!

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Hamada Takuya

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Stella by StarlightElla Fitzgerald34rank/position

Ella Fitzgerald – Stella by Starlight (Verve Records 1961)

Also known in Japan as “Hoshikage no Stella,” this piece is famous as a jazz standard.

It was originally an instrumental composed by Victor Young as a song within the film “The Uninvited.” Later, lyrics were added by Ned Washington.

SummertimeElla Fitzgerald35rank/position

Summertime

Just from the title, you might imagine an up-tempo, summery tune, but this piece actually originated as a lullaby from the opera Porgy and Bess, which centers on African American life.

Embraced by many jazz musicians, it has secured its place as a jazz standard.

Among the many versions, the one by the legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald is especially moving—not only for her extraordinary vocal prowess, but also for the resonance it carries given her own background as a Black woman and an orphan.