Vocal Jazz
Jazz singers have contributed a great deal to instrumental jazz, particularly its development of moods, ambiances, and phrases. The flexibility, freedom of expression, and virtuosity of jazz musicians throughout the years have allowed vocalists to experiment and thrive in ways that no other music can claim. Below is an overview of important jazz vocalists and their recordings and innovations.
Ten Things Jazz Singers Do That I Hate
Ten things jazz singers do that I hate.
Ten things jazz singers do that I hate.
Artist Profile: Jazz Vocalist Frank Sinatra
Artist profile of jazz vocalist Frank Sinatra.
Artist profile of jazz vocalist Frank Sinatra.
Classic Jazz Singers - Readers' Picks
Readers write in with their additions to my list of Ten Classic Jazz Singers (see below).
Readers write in with their additions to my list of Ten Classic Jazz Singers (see below).
Ten Classic Jazz Singers
Here are ten of the most famous jazz singers. From the days of early jazz and swing, jazz singers and instrumentalists have influenced each other's phrasing and melodic conceptions. This list is a mere introduction to the world of jazz vocals.
Here are ten of the most famous jazz singers. From the days of early jazz and swing, jazz singers and instrumentalists have influenced each other's phrasing and melodic conceptions. This list is a mere introduction to the world of jazz vocals.
Artist Profile: Billie Holiday
Nicknamed ‘Lady Day,’ Billie Holiday developed her vocal style to match the instrumental style of musicians such as saxophonist Lester Young. Her intimate and vulnerable vocal style reflected her tumultuous life, and also pioneered a dark and personal approach to singing jazz. The liberties she took with structuring a melodic phrase set the standard for jazz singers.
Nicknamed ‘Lady Day,’ Billie Holiday developed her vocal style to match the instrumental style of musicians such as saxophonist Lester Young. Her intimate and vulnerable vocal style reflected her tumultuous life, and also pioneered a dark and personal approach to singing jazz. The liberties she took with structuring a melodic phrase set the standard for jazz singers.
The Official Site of Bille Holiday
Billie Holiday's phrasing and emotional expression made her one of the top singers of her time. Her songs and recordings are still adored today. This is here official site, with biographical information, news, photos, and downloads.
Billie Holiday's phrasing and emotional expression made her one of the top singers of her time. Her songs and recordings are still adored today. This is here official site, with biographical information, news, photos, and downloads.
Artist Profile: Jazz Vocalist Ella Fitzgerald
Jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald is considered one of the best singers in the history of jazz. She sang with a buoyancy and energy that is yet unmatched. From slow, lamenting ballads to up-tempo bebop tunes, she inhabited the songs she sang, conveying subtle moods with a wide-ranging, virtuosic voice.
Jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald is considered one of the best singers in the history of jazz. She sang with a buoyancy and energy that is yet unmatched. From slow, lamenting ballads to up-tempo bebop tunes, she inhabited the songs she sang, conveying subtle moods with a wide-ranging, virtuosic voice.
The Official Site of Ella Fitzgerald
Featured with all the jazz greats, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald's voice is one of rare beauty. She is best known for her extensive range, her command of many musical styles, and her horn-like scat singing improvisations.
Featured with all the jazz greats, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald's voice is one of rare beauty. She is best known for her extensive range, her command of many musical styles, and her horn-like scat singing improvisations.
The Nat King Cole Society
This site offers a biography and discography of the great jazz pianist and pop vocalist.
This site offers a biography and discography of the great jazz pianist and pop vocalist.
Sara Vaughan
Read the PBS American Masters biography of Sara Vaughan. Known for having incredible technique and control of her multi-octave voice range, Vaughan thrilled audiences of jazz and popular music throughout her nearly 50-year-long career.
Read the PBS American Masters biography of Sara Vaughan. Known for having incredible technique and control of her multi-octave voice range, Vaughan thrilled audiences of jazz and popular music throughout her nearly 50-year-long career.
Cool Singers - A Site With Links to Information on Jazz Singers
This site is a great resource to find information on jazz vocalists past and present.
This site is a great resource to find information on jazz vocalists past and present.