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Worldwide recognition
Ella continued to work as hard as she
had early on in her career, despite the ill effects on
her health. She toured all over the world, sometimes performing
two shows a day in cities hundreds of miles apart. In
1974, Ella spent a legendary two weeks performing in New
York with Frank Sinatra and Count Basie. Still going strong
five years later, she was inducted into the Down
Beat magazine Hall of Fame,
and received Kennedy Center Honors for her continuing
contributions to the arts.
Outside of the arts, Ella had a deep concern for child
welfare. Though this aspect of her life was rarely publicized,
she frequently made generous donations to organizations
for disadvantaged youths, and the continuation of these
contributions was part of the driving force that prevented
her from slowing down. Additionally, when Frances died,
Ella felt she had the additional responsibilities of
taking care of her sister's family.
In 1987, United States President Ronald Reagan awarded
Ella the National Medal of Arts. It was one of her most
prized moments. France followed suit several years later,
presenting her with their Commander of Arts and Letters
award, while Yale, Dartmouth and several other universities
bestowed Ella with honorary doctorates.
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