Bardu Ali (seated, left) and Ella Fitzgerald with Chick Webb’s band, 1938
Courtesy of Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images, 74300253
Bardu Ali, whose father immigrated to the United States from Hooghly, was a jazz and rhythm and blues musician. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, he was master of ceremonies for several New York City-based groups, including the Chick Webb Band. Ali discovered sixteen-year-old jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald and convinced Webb to hire her, propelling the vocalist to international fame.