When I hear the first few notes I’m transported to the top of my Papa’s feet, singing and dancing together in the living room. A happy song for a happy childhood memory. There are so few of these, but that helps me learn to cherish and to treasure.

One of my fondest adolescent memories is the tremendous privilege of attending the 2009 U.S. Presidential Inauguration. Later that night, I got to go to one of the many balls held throughout D.C. at the Smithsonian! It was there that I saw it — the Trumpet of the Great Satchmo! I must’ve stood there staring for nearly ten minutes. Most people are not aware that his 1946 Selmer trumpet was custom-made for him and never mass produced. A one of a kind instrument for a one of a kind artist!

Ella is considered one of the greatest scat singers in Jazz History! I was a precocious child, I don’t know many 8 year olds who were Jazz lovers and thought scat was the coolest thing since Wonder Bread! But that was me. There was something about the improvisation of seemingly meaningless syllables that mesmerized me and her honey like voice made the notes dance right out of her mouth, so effortlessly. Can you imagine a mini me passionately trying belting out Ella’s lyrics at the top of my lungs, then, trying to scat along with them? The operative word here was, trying.

Dream a Little Dream of Me is a beautiful song and to this day my favorite line is: Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you. Click the link if you’d like to view the Lyrics.