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‘Cheek to Cheek’ – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

Stream Ella Fitzgerald And Louis Armstrong - Ella And Louis (1956) - [Classic Vocal Jazz Music] by Lotfi Jallouli | Listen online for free on SoundCloud

About the Song

When the names Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong are mentioned together, a picture of pure musical magic instantly comes to mind. Their collaboration on the classic “Cheek to Cheek” is a shining example of why they are considered two of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time.

Released in 1956 as part of their album “Ella and Louis,” “Cheek to Cheek” is a timeless piece that captures the essence of romance and joy. The song, originally composed by Irving Berlin for the Fred Astaire film Top Hat, found new life in the hands of these two legendary artists.

Ella Fitzgerald’s crystal-clear voice, with its effortless phrasing and impeccable intonation, complements Louis Armstrong’s warm, gravelly tones perfectly. Their voices intertwine like a delicate dance, creating a sound that is both intimate and exhilarating. Armstrong’s signature scat solo adds a playful and improvisational element to the song, while Fitzgerald’s vocal acrobatics showcase her extraordinary range and artistry.

“Cheek to Cheek” is more than just a song; it’s an invitation to lose oneself in the moment, to let go of worries, and to simply enjoy the magic of music. The lyrics, filled with images of happiness and carefree abandon, perfectly capture the spirit of the song. When Fitzgerald sings, “I love to climb a mountain and to reach the highest peak, but it doesn’t really matter, dancing cheek to cheek,” she expresses a sentiment that resonates with listeners of all ages.

Beyond the technical brilliance of the performance, “Cheek to Cheek” is a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together. The chemistry between Fitzgerald and Armstrong is palpable, and their shared love of the music shines through in every note. It is a performance that transcends generations, a timeless classic that continues to enchant and inspire.

Whether you’re a seasoned jazz aficionado or simply someone who appreciates great music, “Cheek to Cheek” is a song that will leave a lasting impression. It is a reminder of the beauty of human connection and the transformative power of music.

The Story of 'Ella and Louis,' 60 Years Later - Longreads

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Lyrics: Cheek To Cheek

Heaven, I’m in heaven
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak
And I seem to find the happiness I seek
When we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek
Yes, heaven, I’m in heaven
And the cares that hung around me through the week
Seem to vanish like a gambler’s lucky streak
When we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek
Oh I’d love to climb a mountain
And reach the highest peak
But it doesn’t thrill me half as much
As dancing cheek to cheek
Oh I’d love to go out fishing
In a river or a creek
But I don’t enjoy it half as much
As dancing cheek to cheek
Now, mama, dance with me
I want my arms about you
The charms about you
Will carry me through, yes

Heaven, I’m in heaven
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak
And I seem to find the happiness I seek
When we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek
(Sing it Ella, swing it)

Heaven, I’m in heaven
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak
And I seem to find the happiness I seek
When we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek

Heaven, I’m in heaven
And the cares that hung around me through the week
Seem to vanish like a gambler’s lucky streak
When we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek
Oh I’d love to climb a mountain
And reach the highest peak
But it doesn’t thrill me half as much
As dancing cheek to cheek
Oh I love to go out fishing
In a river or a creek
But I don’t enjoy it half as much
As dancing cheek to cheek
Come on and dance with me
I want my arm about you
The charm about you
Will carry me through to

Heaven, I’m in heaven
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak
And I seem to find the happiness I seek
When we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek

Yes, dance with me
I want my arm(s) about you
The charm(s) about you
Will carry me through to

Heaven, I’m in heaven
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak
And I seem to find the happiness I seek
When we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek
Cheek to cheek
Cheek to cheek
Cheek to cheek

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SHE WAS A BRIDE AT FIFTEEN, A MOTHER AT SIXTEEN, AND THE FIRST WOMAN NASHVILLE EVER HAD TO CALL “ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR” — THEN SHE NAMED HER BABY AFTER THE BEST FRIEND SHE’D JUST BURIED, AND THAT BABY SPENT A LIFETIME MAKING SURE NEITHER VOICE WAS FORGOTTEN. Loretta Lynn came out of Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, with nothing but a coal miner’s last name and a voice that could pin a grown man to his chair. Married before she could drive. Four children by twenty-two. Then she wrote songs that scared Nashville half to death — about cheating husbands, birth control pills, and women who’d had enough. Sixteen number-ones. Presidential Medal of Freedom. The whole world calling her the Coal Miner’s Daughter. In 1963, her best friend Patsy Cline died in a plane crash. The next year, Loretta gave birth to twins. She named one of them Patsy. That little girl grew up backstage, between tour buses and honky-tonks. She formed The Lynns with her twin sister Peggy. Earned CMA nominations. Then she did something quieter and heavier — she stepped behind the glass and co-produced her mother’s final albums alongside Johnny Cash’s son. Loretta died October 4, 2022. That first birthday without her, Patsy woke up reaching for a phone call that wasn’t coming — her mama singing “Happy Birthday,” the way she always had. Does knowing Loretta named her daughter after a ghost she never stopped grieving make “I Fall to Pieces” feel like it belongs to both of them now?

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