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One of the most influential jazz vocalists of all time, “the First Lady of Song” won 13 Grammy Awards, the National Medal of the Arts and the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts Medal of Honor. During her career, Ella Fitzgerald recorded over 200 albums, including collaborations with Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. In 1986, Fitzgerald required quintuple coronary bypass surgery and was diagnosed with diabetes. Despite her failing health, Ella continued to record, releasing a new album, All That Jazz, in 1989. She also continued her rigorous touring schedule, which helped raise money for disadvantaged youths. Fitzgerald played her final concert at Carnegie Hall in 1991. Unfortunately, her diabetes grew worse, forcing her to lose both legs to amputation. Ella Fitzgerald died on June 15, 1996 at the age of 79.
  
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