3oneseven

Ella Fitzgerald credited Monroe with helping her break the colour barrier and launching her career into the mainstream.

“It was because of Marilyn Monroe that I played the Mocambo.
She personally called the owner … and told him she wanted me booked immediately, and if he would do it, 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 – a little ahead of her time.
And didn’t she know it.”