Which artist is credited with popularizing the jazz standard “Summertime”?

Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington have all made significant contributions to jazz, but Ella Fitzgerald is particularly noted for her rendition of the jazz standard "Summertime." This song, composed by George Gershwin for the opera "Porgy and Bess," has become a staple in the jazz repertoire, and Fitzgerald's interpretation is often cited as one of the finest.

Fitzgerald's vocal style, emotional expression, and clarity helped bring "Summertime" to a broader audience. Her ability to convey the song's haunting beauty and emotional depth set a benchmark for other artists. Additionally, the combination of her improvisational skills and unique phrasing gives her version a distinctive quality that resonates with listeners. By popularizing the song through live performances and recordings, Fitzgerald played a crucial role in establishing "Summertime" as a quintessential jazz standard, influencing countless musicians and vocalists who followed her.