Where were you in July 1981, April 1975, April 1974, April 1964, or September 1948? These are the dates when the first lady of jazz, Ella Fitzgerald, gave concerts in Scotland. Were you in the audience? If you were then Music in West Kilbride would love to hear from you and your memories.

For anyone who wants to hear her music presented in a contemporary style then get along to the West Kilbride Village Hall on Friday May 12 when, Tina May, and Scottish pianist Brian Kellock bring their Celebrating Ella & Oscar show to West Kilbride Village Hall as part of a tour to mark Ella’s centenary year.

In all, Fitzgerald recorded more than 200 albums and some 2,000 songs in her lifetime. She also had over 70 songs in the top US 100 charts between 1936 and 1969. Her total record sales exceeded 40 million. Her many accolades included 13 Grammy Awards, the NAACP Image Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Her success and the respect she garnered from the biggest names in the music industry showed that Fitzgerald was in a class all her own. Bing Crosby once said, "Man, woman or child, Ella is the greatest of them all."

Singer, Tina May, is also one of her fans and readily acknowledges her debt:

“I think most jazz singers will have listened to and learned something from Ella,” says May. “The Ella & Oscar album is really a masterclass with great songs like Midnight Sun and April in Paris, and I’m really lucky to have Brian, who is one of the best pianists in the business, accompanying me on this tour.”

“The songs are timeless, really,” she says, “and because they’re so well written, there’s always something new to be discovered in them.”

Tickets can be obtained from Chris Maughan by phoning 01294 824839 or by email to chris.maughan53@gmail.com. £10 for members of Music in West Kilbride, £15 for non members, no charge for those under 16.

Angus Kerr, chair of the society said: “If you have not been to one of our concerts recently then we hope you can join us for this final event in this year’s programme and we hope that a fond memory of Ella and Oscar will last long for all those who can be with us on 12th May in the village hall.”