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That Swingin' Sound!
The Musical Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
Illustrated by Ken Daley
Table of Contents
About The Book
This rhythmic read-aloud picture book biography dances through the musical childhoods of jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, their rise to stardom, and the friendship that kept them swingin’.
Ella Fitzgerald loved to dance. When little Ella heard jazz music, the music notes moved her legs as she twirled around New York City. Way down south, Louis Armstrong loved to sing. When jazz music played, young Louis’s voice rumbled like a steam train in New Orleans. While Ella dreamed of dancing on stage and Louis of being a famous singer, it wasn’t until they switched things up that they became famous, Ella for singing and Louis playing the trumpet.
The two jazz musicians had heard of each other, but never had a chance to meet. Until one magical night when they took the stage together, the music started to swing, and a lifelong musical friendship was born.
This true story about world-renowned jazz artists Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s musical partnership is a testament to the power of dreams, music, and friendship to help us all keep playing on.
Ella Fitzgerald loved to dance. When little Ella heard jazz music, the music notes moved her legs as she twirled around New York City. Way down south, Louis Armstrong loved to sing. When jazz music played, young Louis’s voice rumbled like a steam train in New Orleans. While Ella dreamed of dancing on stage and Louis of being a famous singer, it wasn’t until they switched things up that they became famous, Ella for singing and Louis playing the trumpet.
The two jazz musicians had heard of each other, but never had a chance to meet. Until one magical night when they took the stage together, the music started to swing, and a lifelong musical friendship was born.
This true story about world-renowned jazz artists Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s musical partnership is a testament to the power of dreams, music, and friendship to help us all keep playing on.
About The Illustrator
Photo courtesy of the illustrator
Ken Daley’s art has been featured in children’s books, print publications, and exhibitions across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. He is the illustrator of picture books including Saturday Morning at the ’Shop by Keenan Jones, That Swingin’ Sound by Rekha S. Rajan, Granny’s Kitchen by Sadé Smith, and Black Boy, Black Boy by Ali Kamanda and Jorge Redmond. Ken lives in Ontario. Visit him at KenDaleyArt.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Beach Lane Books (October 14, 2025)
- Length: 48 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665957045
- Ages: 4 - 8
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- Book Cover Image (jpg): That Swingin' Sound! Fixed Layout eBook 9781665957045
