In my opinion, the greatest female artist that ever lived. Her voice and style were so joyful that it sweeps you off your feet and into the clouds!! As Keith David noted her musical intonation and timing were sheer perfection. Anyone who tries to place modern day artists like Whitney Houston and others ahead of her are delusional. An absolute treat to the senses. She was anything but a blues singer. MORE LIKE ANTI BLUES. One note from her and all sadness evaporates. I'll take Ella , the "Jazz Queen" over anyone before or since.