Licensing initiatives will continue the centennial birthday celebrations for ‘First Lady of Song’.
A raft of licensing initiatives are set to continue the centennial birthday celebrations for the ‘First Lady of Song’ Ella Fitzgerald, after Evolution was appointed as exclusive global licensing and brand management agency.
The 100th anniversary of Ella’s birthday (which was on April 25, 2017) is being marked through a year-long campaign, honouring her career and legacy.
Tentpole initiatives in the works for the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation (which was founded in 1993) include a concert tour, a Broadway musical based on Ella’s life and a bio-pic feature film or limited series for broadcast or SVOD.
Early stage concepts are also underway for branded dining destinations and jazz clubs.
In the consumer products arena, Evolution will target categories such as collectables, jewellery and accessories, alcohol and publishing to include books ranging from retrospectives on Ella’s love affair with jazz, to her favorite recipes, to a celebration of her life in pictures, and high-end art featuring classic album covers.
Travis Rutherford, partner and chief revenue officer at Evolution, commented: “To work with the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation to develop new licensing, marketing and promotional initiatives that will further the charitable legacy of Ella Fitzgerald, and increase revenues to fund its philanthropic programmes, is an incredible honour, and we can’t wait to get started.”
Richard Rosman, president and chairman of the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, added: “I am thrilled to have Evolution on board to develop Ella Fitzgerald-themed entertainment, events and officially licensed products that people have been asking for, as well as bring her legacy to a new generation of fans.”
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