When it comes to discussions of jazz, the trumpeters and saxophonists typically dominate the entire conversation. However, there are other elements that are just as important to the entire jazz ensemble. While there are many voices that are more than worthy of being mentioned, the following highlights some of the top Female American Jazz Vocalists ever.
Peggy Lee
Even though Peggy Lee will likely be remembered best for her version of the song “Fever,” which was recorded back in 1958, prior to that she spent two years singing with Benny Goodman’s band and released several different solo recordings that were under her own name during the 1940s and 1950s, which included the well-known Black Coffee album, which included Cole Porter’s song, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”
Nina Simone
Having a background in pop and gospel, as well as a fondness for all types of classical music, especially music from J.S. Bach, Simone injected a number of these influences into here piano playing and jazz singing. She has a deep voice that is able to be instantly recognized, which was a huge part of her appeal and here extraordinary piano skills were just as impressive on some of her early recordings, such as the Little Girl Blue track, which was recorded in 1957, featuring an impressive rendition of “Mood Indigo” by Duke Ellington.
Billie Holiday
The distinctive phrasing by Billie Holiday is still an extremely influential element on today’s vocalists. She also brought a deep, personal resonance to everything that she sand. During the 1930s she worked with people such as Count Basie, Artie Shaw and Teddy Wilson and when the end of the decade came, she finally recorded the “Strange Fruit” track, which had been based on a poem that was based on the subject of lynching.
Sarah Vaughan
At 18 years old, in 1942, Sarah Vaughan entered the Apollo Theater Amateur Night contest and came out the winner with a $10 cash prize, as well as a weeklong engagement at this venue. After that, Vaughan began to open up for people such as Ella Fitzgerald who performed at the Apollo and then spent two years touring with Billy Eckstein and Earl Hines.
The fact is that there are a number of famous jazz singers, with many more still performing today. To get a feel for what this genre is really all about, listening to these impressive lady’s music is essential.
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