I was just 13 at the time, but I might as well’ve blown out 100 birthday candles. That’s to say I’ve always had somewhat of an old soul. While my friends enjoyed getting their nails done at salons, I liked getting mine dirty by digging through piles of dusty antiques. Knowing that, it likely doesn’t come as a surprise that I absolutely loved jazz music (and still do).
Ella Fitzgerald, a Virginia native you’ll get to read more about below, had a voice that transcended generations. Her smooth, rich, powerful tone blared through my CD player as I screeched out my own rendition of “At Last.” Sorry, mom and dad.
Just six years later, I met a guy who also knew every word—and, admittedly, sung it just as poorly as I did. Now, our home is filled with music and joy and our own voices like nails on a chalkboard. Hopefully, the neighbors have as much patience as my parents. I’m so glad you’re here.
|
|
|
Ella Fitzgerald only lived in Virginia for a few years before she moved to New York with her mother. (IISG/CC BY-SA 2.0)
|
By Sam Cohen
Here’s what you need to know: Before she moved to New York and began shaping the singing career that would earn her 13 GRAMMYs and a long-lasting legacy, Ella Fitzgerald was just a girl from Newport News.
Fun facts:
-
In 1934, at the age of 17, Ella Fitzgerald made her stage debut during Amateur Night at New York’s famed Apollo Theater. She originally entered as a dancer but made a last-minute decision to sing instead after watching several talented dancers take the stage before her. She won the competition, which came with a $25 prize, and inadvertently launched her singing career in the process.
-
Ella Fitzgerald quickly became a household name in the 1930s once she began touring and recording her own music. Though she only spent about two years in Virginia before moving to New York, the “First Lady of Song” returned to the area to perform at Jackson Ward’s Hippodrome Theatre and the Cavalier Hotel’s Beach Club.
-
In 1958, Ella Fitzgerald became the first African-American female to win a GRAMMY at the very first GRAMMY Awards. She was up for the “Best Vocal Performance, Female” award and the “Best Jazz Performance, Individual” award, and won for both. Throughout the span of her career, Ella won 13 GRAMMYs and also became the first woman ever to win multiple awards from the prestigious Recording Academy.
Want to learn more? Fitzgerald’s career spanned the test of time, making her one of the most notable jazz singers to ever grace the stage.
|
|
|
Local news is essential for democracy.
Our reporting cuts through false narratives, documents what’s actually happening in our communities, and provides voters with the clear, factual information they need—especially when the stakes are high.
|
|
|
Voters outside Alexandria City Hall, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)
|
By Michael O’Connor
A group of Alexandria city workers voted to unionize this month in Virginia as a bill to lift the ban on public-sector collective bargaining awaits the signature of Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
On March 3, Alexandria professional employees voted 155-1 in favor of unionizing with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 20.
The Alexandria professional employees union includes urban planners, therapists in the city’s Department of Community & Human Services, and accountants like Tia Littlejohn-Adams.
Littlejohn-Adams’ years of working in Maryland local government while part of a union made her want to help with the organizing that was happening in Alexandria. Littlejohn-Adams said she loves her job, but believes the union will give her and her co-workers a way to advocate for fairness in the workplace.
|
|
|
Amie and Colton Knowles enjoy hot drinks at the Ground Floor in Martinsville. (Amie Knowles/Dogwood)
|
By Amie Knowles
Last weekend, Colton and I ventured to Martinsville in search of Pokémon cards. That’s a nostalgic area for me. About 10 years ago, the small city welcomed me as a reporter, and that’s where I learned the ropes of solid journalism. I live about an hour away now, so going back feels like visiting an old friend.
A lot’s changed since I was there every day. Neither of my favorite 2016-era coffee shops exists anymore (RIP Serendipity and the Daily Grind), but I’d heard great things about the Ground Floor. In need of caffeination, C and I decided to give it a try—and we’re so glad we did!
I ordered a London Fog latte with peach flavoring. If you’ve never added peach to a tea, you’re missing out; in my opinion, it’s even better than lavender. Colton got a hot chocolate, which he downed in less than 20 minutes. He said it was just right and asked when we could return to get another one.
A cool thing I noticed while there was that the uptown coffee shop has a seasonal menu. While the winter one was still out when we arrived, I’ll bet they’ll soon update the flavors to spring. You can check out the Ground Floor’s Facebook page to be the first to know about that. Until then, enjoy all of the awesome foods and drinks on the menu—and tell them Amie sent ya.
|
|
|
J.R. Reid played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Cleveland Cavaliers. (AP Photo/Curtis Compton)
|
By Aila Boyd
Born in Virginia Beach in 1968, J.R. Reid played for the North Carolina Tar Heels before being drafted into the NBA in 1989. His career ran until the 2000-01 season.
After playing for such teams as the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, he concluded his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Having played 672 games, his average points per game were 8.5. He’s now the assistant coach for the Monmouth University men’s basketball team.
|
|
|
Would you forward this newsletter to a friend?
|
|
|
Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Sam Cohen, Michael O’Connor, and Aila Boyd. It was edited by Paula Solis.
Dogwood is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.
|
|
|
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.
Our mailing address is:
Dogwood / COURIER Newsroom
611 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20003-4303
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or from this list.
|
|
|
|
