Want to know more about jazz talents? Here are some of the men and women jazz singers who gave us and the world some of the best jazz tunes we know and love today:
Jon Hendricks
Known as the Father of Vocalese—or what is essentially jazz singing where the lyrics are sung following the melodies of jazz instrumentals—Hendricks huge popularity was also in part, because of his talents as a scat singer.
Louis Armstrong
If you want to know who the best jazz trumpeter of all time is, look no further. Armstrong has more than earned that title, Westword says. However, he’s gravelly and insanely famous rendition of “What a Wonderful World” continues to be an enduring classic.
Billie Holiday
Known as Lady Day, Holiday’s vocals were matched to the instrumental style of saxophonists like Lester Young. Vulnerable and intimate, her songs were often a reflection of her personal life. With her experimentation at structuring melodies, Holiday was one of the singers to set new standard for the next generation of jazz talents.
Deborah Silver
For listeners who want sophistication and grace, Silver manages to deliver one of the most addicting renditions of the well-known classic, “I’ve Got a Crush on You” performed with Jack Jones. It’s the kind of performance you’ll want to take away with you. If you want more, head on over to Deborah Silver’s blog and order her latest album, The Gold Standards.
So if you’re looking for jazz talents to add to your collection, you won’t go wrong with any of these picks. From old-time favorites to modern renditions of iconic tunes, these vocalists remind you every day of why music matters. Mellow and sultry to intimate and emotionally intense, these recording artists more than sing these songs. They bring them to life.
