Ella Fitzgerald Popular Songs Ranking [2025]

Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerElla Fitzgerald29rank/position

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Can you tell what song it is from the title “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”? That’s right—it’s the song known in Japan as “Akanohana no Tonakai.” This version is by the legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, which preserves the song’s charming cuteness while turning it into a moody big band jazz number.

September SongElla Fitzgerald30rank/position

September Song (Remastered 2015)

Ella Fitzgerald is a quintessential American female jazz singer.

Alongside Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan, she was one of the jazz vocalists who achieved great commercial success.

“September Song” was composed by Kurt Weill with lyrics by the famed playwright Maxwell Anderson, and it was also sung by Frank Sinatra—it’s a very well-known song in the United States.

This rendition is crafted as a slow jazz number that’s perfect for an autumn evening.

Sleigh RideElla Fitzgerald31rank/position

Sleigh Ride

I think everyone has heard it before.

It’s a relatively up-tempo, classic, standard jazz number arranged from a timeless Christmas song.

It has a mood loved by all ages, from children to adults, and it’s still heard in many places today.

Highly recommended as BGM, it will surely make your Christmas party a delightful time.

Someone to Watch Over MeElla Fitzgerald32rank/position

Someone To Watch Over Me

Someone to Watch Over Me, sung by the American jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald, is a jazz standard that has even been used in commercials in Japan.

It’s a collaboration by the Gershwin brothers—lyrics by the older brother Ira and music by the younger brother George.

The lyrics, about searching for a beloved, make it a perfect song for autumn’s wistful mood.

In Ella’s version, she starts with the verse—the introductory section placed before the main body of the song, which is often omitted in instrumental versions—so be sure to give it a listen!

Stella by StarlightElla Fitzgerald33rank/position

Ella Fitzgerald – Stella by Starlight (Verve Records 1961)

Also known in Japan as “Hoshikage no Stella,” this piece is famous as a jazz standard.

It was originally an instrumental composed by Victor Young as a song within the film “The Uninvited.” Later, lyrics were added by Ned Washington.

SummertimeElla Fitzgerald34rank/position

Summertime

Just from the title, you might imagine an up-tempo, summery tune, but this piece actually originated as a lullaby from the opera Porgy and Bess, which centers on African American life.

Embraced by many jazz musicians, it has secured its place as a jazz standard.

Among the many versions, the one by the legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald is especially moving—not only for her extraordinary vocal prowess, but also for the resonance it carries given her own background as a Black woman and an orphan.

The Christmas SongElla Fitzgerald35rank/position

The Christmas Song

This song is arguably one of the most famous jazz Christmas numbers.

Written in 1944 by singer Mel Tormé with Bob Wells, its lyrics seem to capture everything about Christmas.

It’s said that the two came up with it on a hot summer day, imagining Christmas to help them cool off.

It’s pretty stylish that such a playful idea became a classic, isn’t it? This song has been recorded by many renowned singers—most notably Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole—so be sure to compare different versions.