25 Great Jazz Singers Female: Icons of Vocal Jazz
Since the birth of jazz in the early 20th Century, the genre has often been perceived as a male-dominated field. However, one realm where women have consistently excelled and left an indelible mark is that of the jazz vocalist. Over the decades, countless talented women have graced the microphone, but the truly Great Jazz Singers Female artists possess unique voices, distinct personalities, and an artistry that ensures their legacy endures. Jazz has produced such a wealth of accomplished and influential female singers that compiling a list of the absolute best is a daunting task – the challenge lies not in who to include, but who must inevitably be left out.
Of course, certain names inevitably rise to the top of any discussion about the finest female jazz vocalists. The “Holy Trinity” – Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah “Sassy” Vaughan – represent an undisputed pinnacle of the art form. Their immense contributions and enduring influence are unquestionable. Yet, acknowledging this trifecta doesn’t diminish the significance of the other incredible artists featured here. Each singer on this list possesses a special quality, a unique approach to phrasing, tone, or interpretation that secured their place in the history of jazz singing. They represent a diverse tapestry of styles, from those with astonishing technical agility to others whose power lay in profound emotional communication. This exploration includes pioneers who shaped the genre and contemporary artists proving that jazz singing is a vibrant, evolving art form, promising a bright future.
The Definitive List: 25 Great Jazz Singers Female
Here, presented in ascending order of recognized impact and influence, is a list celebrating 25 of the best female jazz singers of all time.
25. Norah Jones (born 1979)
The daughter of legendary Indian sitar master Ravi Shankar, New York-born, Texas-raised Norah Jones captivated the world with her mellow tone and soft, intimate delivery, tinged with a hint of country sensibility. Her 2002 debut album, Come Away With Me, propelled by the massive hit single “Don’t Know Why,” became a global phenomenon. While Jones later explored singer-songwriter territory, she demonstrated her jazz roots convincingly on her 2016 album Day Breaks, reaffirming her place among contemporary jazz vocalists.
24. Diana Krall (born 1964)
As the top-selling female jazz singer of the 21st Century thus far, this three-time Grammy winner from British Columbia combines a sultry alto voice with impressive piano skills. Debuting in 1993, Krall’s stardom ascended under the guidance of producer Tommy LiPuma, delivering acclaimed albums like The Look Of Love. While capable of swinging with infectious energy, Krall is particularly renowned for her mastery of languorous ballads and sensuous bossa novas.
23. Cassandra Wilson (born 1955)
Known for her distinctive smoky timbre and remarkable ability to reinterpret songs from diverse genres, Mississippi native Cassandra Wilson emerged in the mid-80s within saxophonist Steve Coleman’s M-Base collective. Her move to Blue Note Records in 1993 brought her unique artistry to a wider audience, establishing her as a vocalist capable of making any song entirely her own.
22. Dakota Staton (1930-2007)
Hailing from Pittsburgh, Dakota Staton possessed a sassy stage presence matched by an athletic and expressive voice. Discovered by Capitol Records producer Dave Cavanaugh in a Harlem nightclub, her tenure with the label in the late 50s produced her most enduring work, including the classic 1957 album The Late, Late Show.
21. Madeleine Peyroux (born 1974)
Drawing inspiration from Billie Holiday’s behind-the-beat phrasing and mellow tone, Georgia-born Madeleine Peyroux has cultivated her own singular style since emerging in 1996. Often accompanying herself on guitar, her music incorporates distinct Gallic influences, reminiscent of Django Reinhardt’s gypsy jazz, reflecting her formative teenage years busking on the streets of Paris.
20. Etta Jones (1928-2001)
Though born in South Carolina, Etta Jones was raised in Harlem and gained mainstream recognition in 1960 with her rendition of “Don’t Go To Strangers.” Far from being a newcomer, Jones had been recording since her teenage years, cutting her first sides in 1944. She was a masterful and sensitive interpreter of ballads, known for her nuanced delivery.
19. Shirley Horn (1934-2005)
This Washington, D.C. native began as a classical pianist but transitioned to singing and leading her own jazz trio by age 20. Shirley Horn gained significant attention in the jazz world in 1960, partly aided by the enthusiastic support of Miles Davis. Despite this endorsement, widespread commercial success arrived later when she signed with Verve Records in the late 80s, revitalizing her career with a series of critically acclaimed albums characterized by her sultry voice and spacious arrangements.
18. Dee Dee Bridgewater (born 1950)
Born Denise Garrett in Memphis and raised in Michigan, Dee Dee Bridgewater rose to prominence in the 70s, first with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra and then winning a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway musical The Wiz. After exploring soul and fusion, she signed with Verve in the 90s, firmly establishing herself as one of contemporary jazz’s leading female vocalists, celebrated for her dynamic range and improvisational prowess.
17. Dianne Reeves (born 1956)
Possessing a remarkable five-octave vocal range, this Detroit-born, Denver-raised singer has been a force in music since the 70s. Gaining wider recognition after joining Blue Note Records in 1987, Reeves is known for her ability to navigate straight-ahead jazz, including adept scat singing, while also embracing Latin, pop, R&B, and Caribbean influences. She is also a respected songwriter.
16. Abbey Lincoln (1930-2010)
Born Anna Marie Wooldridge in Chicago, Abbey Lincoln was more than just a singer; she was a songwriter, actress, and civil-rights activist. Emerging in the mid-50s, she developed a unique vocal style rooted in tradition but increasingly forward-looking. Her collaborations with drummer Max Roach in the early 60s, including the seminal We Insist!, offered powerful social commentary through music.
15. Helen Merrill (born 1930)
Born Jelena Ana Milcetic in New York to Croatian parents, Helen Merrill was captivated by jazz early on, singing in clubs by age 14. She made her recording debut with the Earl Hines band at 22 and launched her solo career in the mid-50s. Known for her sonorous voice and sophisticated interpretations, she recorded consistently until her retirement in 2003.
14. June Christy (1925-1990)
Originally Sharon Luster from Springfield, Illinois, June Christy adopted her stage name after joining Stan Kenton’s orchestra. With Kenton, she scored a million-selling hit with “Tampico” in 1945. A key figure in the West Coast cool jazz scene, Christy was known for her silky voice, subtle vibrato, and effortlessly cool delivery.
13. Blossom Dearie (1924-2009)
With a distinctively girlish, whispery timbre, Margrete Blossom Dearie created a unique vocal niche in the late 50s. Her career gained momentum in Paris earlier that decade with the group The Blue Stars before she embarked on a successful solo path. Also a noted pianist and songwriter, she founded her own label, Daffodil Records, in the 70s.
12. Anita O’Day (1919-2006)
Dubbed “The Jezebel Of Jazz” by the press due to personal struggles, Anita O’Day (born Anita Colton in Kansas City) was a formidable vocalist whose career spanned over six decades. She was recognized for her rhythmic dynamism, horn-like phrasing, and a distinctive lack of vibrato resulting from a childhood tonsillectomy. Her athletic style made her one of the most exciting performers of her era.
11. Chris Connor (1927-2009)
Like Anita O’Day, Chris Connor (born Mary Jean Loutsenhizer) hailed from Kansas City. Her breathy, sensual voice gained initial exposure with Claude Thornhill’s band in 1949. She launched her solo career in 1954 and enjoyed a particularly fruitful period with Atlantic Records between 1956 and 1962, becoming known for her sophisticated cool and nuanced interpretations.
10. Julie London (1926-2000)
With her glamorous looks and smoldering vocal delivery, California-born Julie London became the epitome of the 50s torch singer. She is indelibly linked to her iconic rendition of “Cry Me A River,” a transatlantic hit following its inclusion in the 1956 film The Girl Can’t Help It. Beyond her 29 albums, London also had a successful acting career.
9. Betty Carter (1929-1998)
Born Lilli Mae Jones in Flint, Michigan, Betty Carter is revered not only as one of the Great Jazz Singers Female artists but also as one of the genre’s most brilliant scat singers and improvisers, regardless of gender. Mentored by Dizzy Gillespie and gaining early experience with Lionel Hampton, she forged a unique path known for adventurous phrasing and rhythmic complexity. Carter was also a dedicated mentor, nurturing young talent through her band.
8. Nina Simone (1933-2003)
Born Eunice Waymon in North Carolina, Nina Simone initially aspired to be a classical concert pianist. Facing racial barriers, she reinvented herself as a nightclub performer, blending jazz, blues, gospel, and folk into a unique and powerful style. A profoundly influential artist and civil rights activist, Simone’s music was imbued with passion and a righteous spirit that continues to inspire.
7. Carmen McRae (1922-1994)
Born in Harlem to Caribbean parents, Carmen McRae was deeply influenced by Billie Holiday, whom she met as a teenager. Despite this foundational inspiration, McRae developed her own distinct voice, becoming renowned as a masterful interpreter of lyrics with impeccable diction and rhythmic acuity. Her ability to convey nuanced emotion made her a favorite among musicians and listeners alike.
6. Bessie Smith (1894-1937)
The only singer on this list born in the 19th Century, Bessie Smith earned the title “Empress Of The Blues.” This Chattanooga native was a pivotal figure in the transition from blues to early vocal jazz. Her powerful voice and emotive delivery profoundly influenced subsequent generations of singers, including Dinah Washington and even rock icons like Janis Joplin. Despite a tragic end, her legacy as a foundational voice remains immense.
5. Peggy Lee (1920-2002)
Embodying minimalist cool with a smoldering sensuality, Peggy Lee (born Norma Delores Egstrom in North Dakota) honed her craft in Benny Goodman’s band before embarking on a highly successful solo career. Hits like “Fever” perfectly captured her laconic, laid-back style. Her influential album Black Coffee further cemented her status as a master of understated expression and sophisticated phrasing.
4. Dinah Washington (1924-1963)
Born Ruth Lee Jones, Dinah Washington possessed an unmistakable voice characterized by crisp diction and a tart, emotionally resonant delivery. Rising to fame with blues-oriented material in the 40s, she evolved into a sophisticated jazz vocalist often called the “Queen Of The Blues.” Like her idol Bessie Smith, Washington was highly influential, impacting singers such as Nancy Wilson and Esther Phillips.
3. Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990)
Often called “Sassy” or “The Divine One,” New Jersey’s Sarah Vaughan possessed one of the most stunning voices in jazz history – a gorgeous, multi-octave instrument with a rich tone and signature vibrato. After stints with Earl Hines and Billy Eckstine, her solo career flourished, particularly during her time with Mercury Records. Vaughan was equally adept at breathtaking scat improvisations and heart-wrenching ballad interpretations.
2. Billie Holiday (1915-1959)
While perhaps not possessing the sheer technical range of Vaughan or Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Fagan in Philadelphia) had an unparalleled ability to communicate raw emotion. Known as “Lady Day,” her voice carried a profound, soulful weight, making every lyric feel deeply personal and autobiographical. Her unique phrasing and poignant delivery transformed standards into timeless expressions of pain, love, and resilience, solidifying her status as one of the most influential great jazz singers female voices ever.
Billie Holiday, considered one of the great jazz singers female, performing passionately
1. Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996)
Topping the list is the undisputed “First Lady Of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald. Hailing from Virginia, her journey began with a talent show win at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. After rising to fame with Chick Webb’s orchestra, her career reached stratospheric heights under Norman Granz’s management and Verve Records. Fitzgerald possessed breathtaking technical virtuosity, capable of scatting with the agility of a bebop instrumentalist, yet she could also deliver ballads with unmatched warmth and sensitivity. Her perfect pitch, impeccable phrasing, and joyful spirit made her the gold standard for jazz singing.
These 25 artists represent the pinnacle of achievement among female jazz vocalists. From the foundational power of Bessie Smith to the technical brilliance of Ella Fitzgerald, the soulful depth of Billie Holiday, and the innovative spirit of singers like Betty Carter and Abbey Lincoln, these women have shaped the sound and soul of jazz. Their contributions extend beyond mere entertainment; they are pioneers, innovators, and storytellers whose voices continue to resonate, inspire, and define the very essence of great vocal jazz. The legacy of these great jazz singers, female icons one and all, is a testament to their enduring talent and artistry.
