Jazz24 is thrilled to present a curated list of the Fifty Greatest Jazz Vocalists, as determined by our listeners who cast over 4,600 votes. This list, published on June 19, 2018, showcases the most iconic and influential vocal performances in jazz history. From sultry ballads to upbeat swing, these tracks highlight the exceptional talents of vocalists who have shaped the genre.
Top Tracks and Influential Artists
- “Strange Fruit” – Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday’s haunting rendition of “Strange Fruit” remains a poignant and powerful statement against racial injustice. This track exemplifies Holiday’s unparalleled emotional depth and vocal expressiveness. - “Lush Life” – Johnny Hartman
Johnny Hartman’s rendition of “Lush Life” is celebrated for its lush, velvety tone and sophisticated delivery, cementing his status as one of jazz’s premier vocalists. - “God Bless the Child” – Billie Holiday
Another masterpiece by Billie Holiday, “God Bless the Child” is a soulful reflection of personal hardship and resilience, showcasing her unique ability to convey profound emotion. - “How High the Moon” – Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald’s interpretation of “How High the Moon” demonstrates her virtuosity and innovative approach to scat singing, making it a standout track in her extensive catalog. - “Mack the Knife (in Berlin)” – Ella Fitzgerald
This live recording from Berlin captures Fitzgerald’s dynamic performance of “Mack the Knife,” highlighting her improvisational skills and vibrant stage presence. - “At Last” – Etta James
Etta James’s rendition of “At Last” is a classic, characterized by its rich, soulful delivery and emotional resonance, becoming a timeless anthem of love and longing. - “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” is an enduring classic, celebrated for its optimistic lyrics and Armstrong’s warm, gravelly voice. - “My Funny Valentine” – Chet Baker
Chet Baker’s take on “My Funny Valentine” is known for its melancholic beauty and subtlety, showcasing his delicate phrasing and lyrical trumpet playing. - “Girl From Ipanema” – Stan Getz & Astrud Gilberto
This bossa nova classic, featuring Astrud Gilberto’s smooth vocals and Stan Getz’s tenor saxophone, captures the essence of the Brazilian jazz style. - “Fever” – Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee’s sultry rendition of “Fever” remains a quintessential example of jazz vocal performance, with its minimalist arrangement and Lee’s alluring delivery. - “Lullaby of Birdland” – Sarah Vaughan
Sarah Vaughan’s “Lullaby of Birdland” showcases her impeccable control and vocal agility, making it a definitive version of this jazz standard. - “Summertime” – Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Summertime” is a masterclass in vocal interpretation, blending her expressive tone with the haunting beauty of George Gershwin’s composition. - “Birdland” – Manhattan Transfer
The Manhattan Transfer’s “Birdland” is a vocal tour de force, known for its complex harmonies and energetic arrangement, paying tribute to the legendary jazz club. - “My One and Only Love” – Johnny Hartman & John Coltrane
This duet between Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane is celebrated for its intimate and emotionally charged performance, capturing the essence of romantic jazz. - “I Loves You Porgy” – Nina Simone
Nina Simone’s rendition of “I Loves You Porgy” highlights her distinctive voice and deep emotional connection to the material, making it a standout in her repertoire. - “A Tisket – A Tasket” – Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald’s playful and upbeat performance of “A Tisket – A Tasket” is a hallmark of her early career, showcasing her vibrant personality and improvisational skills. - “Every Day I Have the Blues” – Joe Williams with Count Basie and His Orchestra
Joe Williams’s collaboration with Count Basie on “Every Day I Have the Blues” delivers a powerful and heartfelt performance, reflecting Williams’s mastery of blues-infused jazz. - “Autumn in New York” – Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday’s interpretation of “Autumn in New York” exudes a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, reflecting her deep emotional connection to the song. - “Misty” – Sarah Vaughan
Sarah Vaughan’s version of “Misty” is known for its lush arrangements and Vaughan’s breathtaking vocal performance, establishing it as a jazz classic. - “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” – Ella Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald’s take on “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” highlights her remarkable ability to convey complex emotions through her vocal artistry. - “Feelin’ Good” – Nina Simone
Nina Simone’s powerful rendition of “Feelin’ Good” is a stirring expression of empowerment and renewal, characterized by her commanding voice and dynamic performance. - “Fine and Mellow” – Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday’s “Fine and Mellow” is celebrated for its raw, unfiltered emotion and Holiday’s deep connection to the blues tradition. - “My Baby Just Cares for Me” – Nina Simone
Nina Simone’s “My Baby Just Cares for Me” is a classic example of her distinctive style, blending jazz and blues influences with her unique vocal touch. - “Route 66” – Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole’s smooth rendition of “Route 66” is a timeless example of his vocal charm and sophistication, making it a staple in the jazz vocal genre. - “One for My Baby” – Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra’s “One for My Baby” is a quintessential example of his storytelling prowess and emotive vocal delivery, capturing the essence of a classic jazz ballad. - “Blue Skies” – Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald’s performance of “Blue Skies” is a vibrant showcase of her vocal agility and interpretive skills, making it a standout track in her extensive catalog. - “Something Cool” – June Christy
June Christy’s “Something Cool” is a sophisticated and sultry track, highlighting her smooth vocal style and innovative approach to jazz vocals. - “Georgia on My Mind” – Ray Charles
Ray Charles’s rendition of “Georgia on My Mind” is a soulful and heartfelt performance, blending jazz, blues, and gospel influences in a masterful way. - “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” – Frank Sinatra
Sinatra’s version of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” is a dynamic and engaging performance, showcasing his impeccable phrasing and vocal style. - “Sweet Georgia Brown” – Anita O’Day
Anita O’Day’s “Sweet Georgia Brown” is known for its upbeat tempo and O’Day’s energetic vocal performance, making it a classic in the jazz vocal genre. - “All of Me” – Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday’s “All of Me” is a tender and emotional rendition, reflecting her ability to infuse jazz standards with deep personal expression. - “Black and Blue” – Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong’s “Black and Blue” is a powerful statement on racial injustice, delivered with his signature vocal style and emotional depth. - “The Waters of March” – Susannah McCorkle
Susannah McCorkle’s “The Waters of March” is celebrated for its intricate vocal delivery and McCorkle’s ability to bring out the song’s poetic qualities. - “Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” is a classic example of his smooth vocal style and charismatic delivery, making it a beloved standard. - “Good Morning Heartache” – Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday’s “Good Morning Heartache” is a deeply emotional performance that captures the essence of heartbreak and resilience. - “You Go to My Head” – Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong’s “You Go to My Head” showcases his unique vocal style and ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity and grace. - “Mumbles” – Clark Terry
Clark Terry’s “Mumbles” is known for its playful and innovative approach, highlighting his skill as both a trumpeter and a vocalist. - “My Man” – Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday’s “My Man” is a poignant and heartfelt performance that reflects her deep emotional connection to the song. - “Peel Me a Grape” – Diana Krall
Diana Krall’s “Peel Me a Grape” is a modern classic, known for its sultry delivery and Krall’s smooth vocal style. - “Unforgettable” – Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable” is a timeless ballad, celebrated for its rich vocal quality and Cole’s ability to convey deep emotion. - “Stardust” – Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole’s “Stardust” is a quintessential example of his elegant vocal style and his ability to bring out the beauty in jazz standards. - “Let’s Get Lost” – Chet Baker
Chet Baker’s “Let’s Get Lost” is known for its relaxed and introspective vocal style, reflecting
Tonight’s Highlight: Singing With Swing Radio Show
Tune in tonight at 7 PM EST for the latest episode of Singing With Swing on The Improv Cafe radio station! Every Sunday evening, this beloved show brings a fresh and vibrant mix of swing, jazz, and classic vocal performances straight to your speakers.
Hosted by the charismatic and knowledgeable DJ, Swing Maestro, Singing With Swing is the go-to destination for swing enthusiasts and jazz aficionados alike. The show features an eclectic blend of timeless standards, rare gems, and modern takes on the classic swing sound. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the genre or new to the scene, Swing Maestro’s expertly curated playlists and engaging commentary make for an unforgettable listening experience.
Tonight’s episode promises an electrifying journey through the golden age of swing, with special features on legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Count Basie. Expect to hear crowd-pleasers like “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “In the Mood,” and “Cheek to Cheek,” alongside lesser-known tracks that highlight the rich and diverse history of swing music.
In addition to the music, Swing Maestro will delve into the stories behind the songs and artists, offering fascinating insights and anecdotes that bring the music to life. Listeners can also look forward to exclusive interviews with contemporary swing musicians and vocalists, who share their own takes on the genre and its enduring appeal.
So, pour yourself a drink, get comfortable, and let the smooth sounds of swing transport you back to a time of big bands, glamorous ballrooms, and unforgettable melodies. Don’t miss out on this weekly celebration of swing music – tune in to Singing With Swing at 7 PM EST tonight on The Improv Cafe!