In 1950, Ella Fitzgerald was not allowed to play because of her skin color in a popular Hollywood club "Mocambo". Marylin was a big fan of hers, she called the owner of the club and told him that if he would allow Ella to play, she would be there every night, which would benefit him with the amount of press she would attract. He agreed, and Monroe was there every night, front row, which ensured huge press coverage.
Ella Fitzgerald said: "After that I never had to play in any small clubs again. Marylin was an unusual woman, ahead of her time and she didn't even realize it".