This portrait of Ella Fitzgerald represents another historical and cultural figure that Beauford greatly admired, but did not necessarily know. This is not to say that the relationship or connection he felt with Fitzgerald is diminished or any less important.

Ella’s portrait is one of the more abstract ones Beauford created during his career. This is not a painting where the main goal was to capture her likeness. Instead, Beauford created a visual representation of the power and light that existed as a result of her music. Only certain details of her face are visible;, the rest is shrouded in clouds of yellows and oranges. Ella Fitzgerald was a force – she illuminated any room her voice was being projected in. Beauford captured the feelings of chaos and tenderness you feel simultaneously when listening to her.