“Ella, elle l’a” is a song by French singer France Gall, released in August 1987 with “Dancing Brave” on the B-side as part of her album Babacar. Written and composed by Michel Berger, the song is a tribute to the legendary American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, celebrating her natural talent, charisma, and the emotion she brought to music.
Musically, “Ella, elle l’a” is an upbeat and infectious French pop song with strong influences from funk and disco. The track features a groovy bassline, catchy brass sections, and a lively rhythm, making it one of France Gall’s most danceable hits. The song’s title roughly translates to “Ella, she has it”, referring to an unexplainable magic and soulfulness that great artists possess.
Tthe song praises Ella Fitzgerald’s unique gift and uses her as a symbol of artistic brilliance and emotional depth in music. It also carries an underlying message about the power of music to transcend barriers and touch people’s hearts.
“Ella, elle l’a” was a huge commercial success, topping the charts in Germany and Austria, and reaching the top ten in other European countries. It became one of France Gall’s most famous songs and remains a classic of French pop music, often associated with joy, nostalgia, and admiration for jazz and soul influences.
Over the years, the song has been covered and remixed multiple times, including a popular 2008 version by Belgian singer Kate Ryan, introducing it to a new generation of listeners.