No. 008 - Ella Fitzgerald's "Someone To Watch Over Me" changed my life
No. 008 - Ella Fitzgerald's "Someone To Watch Over Me" changed my life
Nigeria-based soul singer-songwriter JazzZ shares a creative connection to this tune
This Song Changed My Life is an independent music publication featuring essays from people all around the world about the songs that mean the most to them. Created by Grace Lilly, supported by readers.
• 4 min read •
Music and I have always had this extremely personal thing going on.
I get anxious about putting people on to music or what they should listen to. I tried one time and the reaction was enough to put me off it.
I heard Ella Fitzgerald as a kid. I don't remember when exactly, but her vocals got stuck in my ear. The song "Someone To Watch Over Me" blew me away. I could never forget it even if I tried, and I didn't try to.
It was love at first listen. I wanted to do that. I dreamed and wished that I could, terrified I wouldn't be able to.
I was drawn to her voice, its texture, and the music, jazz. At that time I didn't fully understand what it was I was listening to.
It was so fleeting because power wasn't regular, no internet... until there was, and then I eventually tracked down the song again. I kept on listening to it and many other similar songs I had found so that eventually I could try to sing and express what was in my head.
I did an interpolation/cover of "Someone To Watch Over Me" on Drake's "Marvin's room" instrumental. I don't know why but at that time I was barely trying to scratch the surface of my vocal range and abilities.
I had found out that "Someone To Watch Over Me" was a jazz standard and a lot of jazz vocalists had covered the song. So I guess I was just trying to do mine, my own way.
The interpolation was released, I think, back in 2014 on SoundCloud and other streaming services. It changed my life. "Someone To Watch Over Me" opened my life to possibilities I never imagined would ever exist for someone like me.
In a way I'm not surprised because it’s exactly how I felt when I heard it for the first time, "Is this possible? Wow, if it is then I want to do this one day."
Even now when I listen to my interpolation attempt, I laugh so hard because, well, that was the best I could do at that time. I'm happy for that child, that part of me that adored “Someone To Watch Over Me,” adored Ella Fitzgerald, and adored jazz music.
It hasn't been perfect or even smooth but I can’t imagine my life without that song. It never gave up on me and it loved me right back.
I'm happy I finally got one childhood wish. I really believed I'd never ever get to sing, so for my voice and music be recorded and released… wow.
I'm happy that no matter what happens, “Someone To Watch Over Me” will always be a companion and a special reminder that many, many things are possible and no matter how dark, sinister, or heavy life sometimes gets, change is most constant and eternal. ◆
About JazzZ
JazzZ is a Lagos, Nigeria-based soul singer-songwriter who delights audiences, large and small, with her wide vocal range and her soulful voice. She’s unconventional and emotionally sensitive about her music and its creative process. She finds spiritual bliss in Muse The African Goddess Yemoja, and enjoys snacking on seasonal Nigerian fruits and sipping on Neem tea.
Instagram @whobejazzz_
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⭐ Recommended by
Brendan Higgins (No. 001)
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