That Swingin' Sound!: The Musical Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

This rhythmic read-aloud picture book biography dances through the musical childhoods of jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, their rise to stardom, and the friendship that kept them swingin'.

Ella Fitzgerald loved to dance. When little Ella heard jazz music, the music notes moved her legs as she twirled around New York City. Way down south, Louis Armstrong loved to sing. When jazz music played, young Louis's voice rumbled like a steam train in New Orleans. While Ella dreamed of dancing on stage and Louis of being a famous singer, it wasn't until they switched things up that they became famous, Ella for singing and Louis playing the trumpet.

The two jazz musicians had heard of each other, but never had a chance to meet. Until one magical night when they took the stage together, the music started to swing, and a lifelong musical friendship was born.

This true story about world-renowned jazz artists Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's musical partnership is a testament to the power of dreams, music, and friendship to help us all keep playing on.

Author: Rekha S. Rajan
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Published: 10/14/2025
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.30lbs
Size: 11.20h x 11.10w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781665957038
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2025
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2025
Publishers Weekly 09/22/2025
Booklist 10/01/2025
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2025 pg. 89

About the Author
Dr. Rekha S. Rajan is a musician, classically trained opera singer, and the USA TODAY bestselling author of over fifteen books for kids and adults, including the This Is Music board book series, Can You Dance Like a Peacock?, Amazing Landmarks, and That Swingin' Sound!. She has a doctorate and a master's in music education from Teachers College, Columbia University and a master's in education from Roosevelt University, where she also received a bachelor's degree in music. Rekha lives in Chicago with her husband and children. Learn more at RekhaSRajan.com.

Ken Daley's art has been featured in children's books, print publications, and exhibitions across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. He is the illustrator of picture books including Saturday Morning at the 'Shop by Keenan Jones, That Swingin' Sound by Rekha S. Rajan, Granny's Kitchen by Sadé Smith, and Black Boy, Black Boy by Ali Kamanda and Jorge Redmond. Ken lives in Ontario. Visit him at KenDaleyArt.com.