Ella FitzGerald or Areta Franklin

[Enko]

So today I put on a piece of Ella FitzGerald (reaching for the moon) and directly after we had Areta Franklin (I say a little prayer)

and it sparked the debate Who was the would you prefer to listen to for the rest of your life?

Dh and I not fully in agreement..

Ef.

Voice far smoother.

Ella

AF - sorry but isn't it AretHa?

Nina Simone.

Ella for sure

both
they were very different and genius in their own way

Aretha Franklin ?

Ella 100%, or Nina Simone as above.

Always Ella.

AF was overrated in my humble opinion.

Ella....every time.

Nina Simone doesnt come close for me

Love them all but it’s Billie Holiday for me.
I half-remember a quote heard on the radio - when Billie sings about her man leaving her, you can hear her heart breaking, but Ella sings it like he’s just gone down the shops for a loaf of bread.

If you want the definitive version of a classic American songbook number, then Ella. If you want soul, then Aretha. Ella's version is always "perfect" but can feel glassy IMO. But it's what I use for reference when learning a song. I use Aretha's versions for courage!