Top Female Vocalists of the Jazz & Swing Era

 The musical genre of jazz has always been dominated by male artists, since the beginning. From trumpeters to pianists to drummers, men have always been at the forefront of most jazz ensembles. But as you listen to any swingjazz radio, you will also discover many female vocalists who ruled the audience’s hearts and musical charts with their exceptional singing talent and striking charisma. The female jazz vocalists of the golden era were equally matched in popularity and skill with their male counterparts. In this blog, we take a look at some of the best female singers in jazz history.

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald, born in 1917 in Newport News, Virginia, is undoubtedly the greatest of all time when it comes to female jazz singers. She was lovingly called by many names – First Lady of Song, Queen of Jazz, and Lady Ella. Known for her flawless diction, pure phrasing, perfect intonation, and extraordinary improvisational ability, Ella was a master of scat singing. She was also skilled in delivering emotional and moving ballads, merging her technique with sensitivity. Ella made her musical debut at the Apollo Theater in New York in 1934, where she won the first prize in the Amateur Nights competition. Next, she started singing with Chick Webb’s band and very soon became one of the most played artists on the radio. With a career spanning over six decades, Ella won 14 Grammy Awards, and was awarded the National Medal of Arts, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Sarah Vaughan

Sarah Vaughan, nicknamed ‘Sassy’ and ‘The Divine One’ by her fans, was born in 1924 in Newark, New Jersey. She had a full-bodied voice with the most remarkable range and impeccable control over her voice quality and intonation. In the fall of 1942, Sara entered the Amateur Night contest in Apollo Theater and won. The very same year, at the tender age of 18, she opened for Ella Fitzgerald. A year later, she was touring with Earl Hines and Billy Eckstine. She launched her solo singing career in 1945. With her wondrous voice and accomplished vocal skills, Sara was as comfortable in scat singing as she was in crooning romantic ballads. She won 4 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Billie Holiday

Born as Eleanora Fagan in 1915 in Philadelphia, and nicknamed ‘Lady Day’, Billie Holiday is a popular name in swing jazz radio playlists. Known for her melodious and soulful voice with a distinctive lilting quality, she had a unique ability to manipulate the phrasing and tempo of any song. Her vocal ability had a pioneering influence on many jazz artists who came after her. What made Billie Holiday stand out from others was her ability to connect with the audience like no other. Her voice had a deeply personal timbre that made everything she sang emotionally poignant. She was one of the first female jazz singers to receive success and admiration from the public at large. Holiday won 4 Grammy Awards and was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

Dinah Washington

Born as Ruth Lee Jones in 1924 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Dinah Washington was a skilled jazz vocalist who was also proficient in other musical styles including blues, R&B, and traditional pop music. With an enchanting voice and clear and precise diction, she had a very neat and tidy delivery style that won the hearts of her listeners. At the age of 15, she began her career singing in Chicago jazz clubs and later joined Lionel Hampton's band. In 1946, she started performing as a solo artist. She won a Grammy Award and was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Conclusion

The above list is just a tiny drop in an ocean. There are many more female jazz singers worth mentioning like Nina Simone, Peggy Lee, and many more. Just switch on to swing jazz radio and you can enjoy their enthralling voices.