Explore an exhaustive list of the most influential and talented vocalists who have left an indelible mark on jazz history. From the legendary voices of the golden age to contemporary innovators, this compilation celebrates the diversity and richness of jazz singing. Discover the artists who defined genres, broke barriers, and moved audiences worldwide with their vocal mastery and improvisational skills. Ideal for fans, music students, and anyone wishing to delve into the legacy of jazz greats.
Most popular female jazz singer for over half a century
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Ella Fitzgerald revolutionized vocal jazz with her mastery of scat singing and improvisational style. Her flexible, wide-ranging voice set an unparalleled standard in jazz performance, influencing generations of vocalists.
Voice was liked by producer John Hammond
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Her vocal style, strongly inspired by jazz instrumentalists, pioneered a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo. She was renowned for her emotional vocal delivery and exceptional improvisational skills, always aiming for her voice to sound like an instrument.
Foundational influence in jazz
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Louis Armstrong revolutionized jazz vocal interpretation with his distinctive style and powerful feeling of swing, loosening up the more formal styles of his contemporaries. His vocal innovations, including his iconic scat singing and the gravelly coloration of his voice, served as a foundation for future jazz vocal interpretations.
Unmistakable singing style
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Nat King Cole possessed a silky, distinctive voice that transcended genres, making jazz accessible to a mass audience. His ability to seamlessly blend his mastery as a jazz pianist with his unmistakable vocal style established him as an iconic figure in music history. His legacy includes an extensive discography with hits that continue to be influential in the global music landscape.
Performed many jazz standards
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Frank Sinatra possessed a velvety voice that effortlessly glided through a repertoire of swing, jazz, and ballads, distinguished by his impeccable phrasing. His timeless vocal style and ability to interpret standards established him as a central figure in vocal jazz history, recognized and celebrated far beyond purely jazz circles.
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One of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time
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Mel Tormé is renowned for his distinctive smooth vocal style and his mastery of scat singing, a form of vocal improvisation he commanded with great skill. His ability to blend impeccable technique with emotive performance established him as an influential figure in jazz history.
Had a number one hit with "Because of You"
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Tony Bennett demonstrated a profound connection to jazz throughout his extensive career, collaborating with iconic figures such as Stan Getz and Herbie Hancock. His ability to interpret jazz standards and his dedication to the genre earned him the NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship, solidifying his legacy in jazz history.
One of the greatest male singers of the past 50 years
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Joe Williams is celebrated for his distinctive baritone voice and his ability to fuse jazz with blues, creating an unmistakable vocal style. His work with the Count Basie band in the 1950s produced some of jazz's most iconic tracks, solidifying his impact on the genre. His legacy includes memorable performances that continue to influence jazz vocalists.
Specialized in ballads
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Johnny Hartman possessed an unparalleled baritone voice, described as "regal, velvety, and smoother than a bed of rose petals on satin sheets." His collaboration with John Coltrane on the 1963 album is a testament to his vocal mastery and his ability to articulate lyrics with profound clarity and resonance, bringing each word to life.
Remembered as the Empress of the Blues
Bessie Smith was a seminal figure in music, renowned as the "Empress of the Blues" and one of the first major blues and jazz singers on record. Her unforgettable voice and cultural impact established her as a major influence on other jazz vocalists, including Louis Armstrong.
Reshaped the boundaries of jazz, bebop, and ballad singing
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Billy Eckstine was a pioneer who fused big-band jazz with the emerging bebop style, leading an orchestra that became a hotbed for revolutionary talents. His distinctive bass-baritone voice and ability to reshape the boundaries of jazz singing establish him as a central figure in the genre's history.
Carmen McRae was a jazz vocalist with an exceptional capacity for improvisation, developing a unique style that combined emotional depth with sophisticated musical intelligence. Her mastery of lyrics and innovative scat established her as one of the most respected and influential voices in the genre.
Extraordinary work in gospel, blues, jazz, rhythm-and-blues and pop
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Dinah Washington possessed a distinctive voice and sultry style that made her a dominant figure in jazz and blues. Her ability to fuse genres and her commercial impact, being crowned the "Queen of the Jukebox," demonstrate her relevance and vocal mastery in music history.
Broke through as a traditional pop-styled singer
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Etta James possessed an unmistakable voice that fused blues, soul, and R&B with exceptional depth and emotion, making her a pivotal figure in the jazz scene. Her live performances, such as those at the Montreux Jazz Festival, showcased her vocal mastery and ability to move audiences with both ballads and energetic tracks.
Our methodology for ranking jazz singers is based on a comprehensive evaluation of their artistic impact, vocal abilities, and influence on the genre. This ranking is an editorial curation that seeks to recognize the most outstanding figures in the history of jazz.