Famous jazz musicians. Players who have graced the history of jazz.
The music genre known as “jazz” boasts a history of well over 100 years.
Absorbing the spirit of each era, it has evolved by embracing innovative techniques and experimenting with various approaches, continuously exerting a major influence on other genres.
From rock and heavy metal to club music, there are many artists who incorporate the essence of jazz to craft their own distinctive sounds.
In this article, we introduce the great musicians who have left a precious legacy in the history of jazz—artists whose talent and contributions to the genre have earned them the honorable title of “Jazz Giants.”
If you’re thinking of getting into jazz, be sure to check it out!
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- The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
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- Hall of Jazz: Classic Blue Note Records. Recommended jazz albums.
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- Recommended jazz vocals. The world’s greatest jazz singers.
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- An Introduction to Jazz for Adults: The Recommended Jazz Manga BLUE GIANT
- Famous Western jazz classics. Recommended popular songs.
Famous Jazz Musicians: Players Who Shaped Jazz History (41–50)
Peanut VendourDon Lusher
Don Lusher, who remained at the forefront for over 60 years, was a leading British jazz trombonist born in 1923.
He also devoted himself to nurturing young musicians, serving on the faculty of the prestigious Royal College of Music and as Professor of Trombone at the Royal Naval School of Music in Portsmouth.
His rendition of the classic ‘Peanut Vendor’ is a fine work that showcases his burnished, mature playing.
BebopKenny Clarke
Kenny Clarke, famed for establishing the bebop jazz drumming style, was a drummer born in 1914 from Pittsburgh, USA.
You can enjoy Kenny Clarke’s dazzling and delicate drumming technique on the track “Bebop.”
Let The Good Times RollLouis Jordan
Louis Jordan (born in 1908, from the United States) was a saxophonist who epitomized jump blues jazz—a blend of jazz and blues characterized by bouncy, fast-tempo rhythms.
He was an artist who had a tremendous influence as a forerunner of rock and roll.
BirdlandMaynard Ferguson
Called a child prodigy from a young age, Maynard Ferguson was a Canadian jazz-fusion trumpeter born in 1928, renowned as a master high-note hitter who could produce a beautiful tone in an exceptionally high register.
It was also Maynard Ferguson who made a huge hit by performing the Rocky theme on trumpet.
Take fivePaul Desmond
Paul Desmond, born in 1924 in California, USA, was a saxophonist and composer who represented West Coast jazz.
His composition Take Five is a masterpiece among jazz classics, showcasing a supremely beautiful blend of flowing alto saxophone tones, drums, and piano.
TangerineLennie Tristano
Lennie Tristano’s “Tangerine” is a calm, sophisticated, and elegant piece.
He was an American blind jazz pianist and composer born in 1919, renowned as a master of inventive and innovative improvisation and as a pioneer of cool jazz.
Fly Me To The MoonDiana Krall
Diana Krall, born in 1964 and hailing from Canada, is a female jazz pianist and singer who has won five Grammy Awards.
Since the 1990s, she has been one of the most successful jazz vocalists, ranking among the world’s top artists in both popularity and skill.
“Fly Me to the Moon” is a classic that showcases her wonderful playing and singing.