Meredith spotted this brief but telling anecdote from Ella Fitzgerald.
In the 1950s, the popular nightclub, Mocambo would not book Ella Fitzgerald because she was black. Fortunately for Ella, she had a powerful and unlikely benefactor Marilyn Monroe. “I owe Marilyn Monroe a real debt…it was because of her that I played the Mocambo, a very popular nightclub in the ’50s. She personally called the owner of the Mocambo, and told him she wanted me booked immediately, and if he would do it, she promised she would take a front table every night. She told him – and it was true, due to Marilyn’s superstar status – that the press would go wild. The owner said yes, and Marilyn was there, front table, every night. The press went overboard. After that, I never had to play a small jazz club again. She was an unusual woman – and ahead of her time and she didn’t know it.” – Ella Fitzgerald
A touch of serendipity, after my nod to a legend last week!
Closest I’ll get now! RIP Marilyn.
Robin Ellis 
WOW! That took courage and I really admire that. It’s such a shame that she even had to do that though, grrrrrrrrrrr. and reminds me to double grrrrrrrr when I hear people talk about how much nicer things were back in the day.
Good for Marilyn, and I hope a story like this gives us all courage to address inequality when we see it. She used her power for good, and we all benefitted from Ella’s awesome talent!
Have always loved/admired Marilyn. Have also had a word with the Universe because next time around I would like to look like her. For starters … I’m blonde – and I love Ella!
and Jafabrit: totally agree with you!
What Les Jones said!
Dear Robin,I liked mr.Paganini from Ella. Ella was the singer that did jump the cristal glasses.Marilyn’s best film was the Mistfits all the actors are long time dead from that film like Clark Gable and sweet Monty Clift.Sadly end for Marilyn in very strange circumstances, and a nice song was also made of her: Norma Jean wants to be a moviestar (song by Cunningham) and goodbye Norma Jean by Elton John.Yes she was and is still today a movie Icon for so many generations a example to start a film/acting career for so many girls.Ha, more of such topics dear Robin just my cup of tea.Many hughs !!
You know today Marilyn would be considered “plus size”? She looked healthy and just right to me!!
That’s a fallacy actually – Marilyn was 117 lbs when she passed away. Hardly plus size. There were definitely times when she was heavier but a couple of those times she was pregnant, only to ultimately lose the baby. If you eve get the chance to see any of her clothes or costumes in person you will be surprised how small she was 🙂
Sadly the MOMI museum (Museum of moving Image) in London is clossed, there was the black silk dress of Some like it hot. Marilyn had size 12-14 (Belgium size 42-44), her dresses where all couture taylor fit (on the chest size 16 size 46)mostly made by Travilia and Cassini .So size Medium and on some parts Large.I don’t matter the weight, it’s the performance and the character that is the importance.
Love both Ella and Marylin! There is NOTHING like Ella singing Gershwin. YES, Maureen! I think Marylin was beautiful I have my grandmother’s curves and will never be a stick. I think Twiggy ruined that for us. My favourite Marylin movie is “Some like it Hot!” Sadly we have lost the glamour of that era.
Thanks for posting this Robin. I am so tired of all the awful stories and lies that have been published about Marilyn – especially this year on the 50th anniversary of her passing – that it is always refreshing to see a positive story for a change. Marilyn was definitely a proponent of equal rights of all.
What a courageous story! I had the joy of playing a concert with Ella in the mid 1980’s. She was an amazing woman. Even though she was in her later years by that time, she sang and sang, in 95 degree heat, and the crowd went crazy! It was one of the greatest musical memories I have!
What did you play with Ella, Genie?
Hi Robin.
The orchestra had her songbook, and played many of her famous tunes, including Lady and the Tramp. I believe some were the Nelson Riddle arrangements. Her combo was there, as well, and she performed some tunes with them. Somewhere, I still have a newspaper article with a review of the concert, so I’ll have to check! She was a lovely lady, and was so kind to the musicians.
Great memory for you Gene–thank you for sharing it.
Lovely story. As you may know, Ella is a hero in our house. When Michele went away to college Irv’s gift to her was a complete set of Ella’s recordings. (it was many years ago). Iris
Two great and lovely ladies. Thanks for the memories Robin.
Poor Marilyn was a troubled soul and much maligned. Nice to hear a story like this that shows her in a good light and highlights the best of her.
Thanks for putting this up for all to see. May we all do as well in our lives!
Wonderful photographs! My mum and Marilyn were born within a few days of each other,she was always an icon at our house. My oldest sister Norma was named after her.
Way off the subject, sir, but I loved you in Shoscombe Old Place! My favorite of the Hollmes series! What was Mr. Brett like to work with? Along with Mr. Grimes and a young Jude Law, it is worth watching over and over!
Love this site! I’m just now taking control of my diabetes. These recipes look excellent and I see them in my future! Thank you!
Welcome Michael–it’s good to hear they are helpful to you.
I enjoyed working with all three–though Jude law and I were sick with a stomach bug during the last scene and it was a challenge remembering the lines!
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