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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- Cool jazz piano: from classic favorites to hidden gems.
- [2025] Classic Jazz Vocal Albums: Must-Listen Recommendations
- Recommended jazz vocals. The world’s greatest jazz singers.
- Captivating female jazz singers who illuminate the history of jazz. Recommended jazz vocals from around the world.
- [Jazz Intro] Classic Jazz Tracks Recommended for First-Time Listeners
- 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)
InvitationRoy Hargrove
Roy Hargrove, born in 1969 in Texas, USA, is an artist who creates a refined, delicate, and urban jazz sound.
Discovered by Wynton Marsalis in 1990, he won a Grammy Award in 1997 for his album “Havana,” and is recognized as one of the leading contemporary jazz trumpeters.
Famous jazz musicians: Players who shaped the history of jazz (51–60)
RamblinOrnette Coleman
Ornette Coleman was an alto saxophonist from Fort Worth, Texas, who created and led the new form of jazz known as free jazz.
“Ramblin’” is a piece that showcases his style of performing based on his own sensibilities.
But Not For MeRed Garland
Red Garland, an unconventional jazz pianist who transitioned from being a professional boxer and even once faced the legendary middleweight world champion Sugar Ray Robinson, began his musical journey with a clarinet his father gave him when he was 17.
He later took up the piano and by his early twenties was performing professionally.
His performances with jazz luminaries such as Charlie Parker, Lester Young, and Miles Davis attest to the exceptional quality of Garland’s piano playing.
A master of block chords, he established a distinctive style and became a hugely popular artist.
Lullaby of BirdlandGeorge Shearing
The beautiful classic, Lullaby of Birdland—a standard with a bright tempo that somehow feels wistful—was composed by jazz pianist George Shearing.
Born in London, he began playing piano at the age of three, fell in love with jazz, later moved to the United States, and became a leading figure of cool jazz.
Sleepy Slept HereChico Hamilton
Chico Hamilton, a leading drummer representing the West Coast jazz scene, was a jazz drummer and bandleader born in 1921 in Los Angeles, USA.
He was also highly skilled at nurturing artists, and his band produced great musicians such as Jim Hall (guitarist), Eric Dolphy (clarinetist), and Charles Lloyd (saxophonist).
Straight To The HeartDavid Sanborn
Having suffered from polio in childhood and encouraged by doctors to play the saxophone as rehabilitation, David Sanborn later became one of the foremost saxophonists in the jazz fusion world, nicknamed “the weeping Sanborn” for the singing, beautifully expressive tone he produced.
His piece Straight To The Heart distills the full appeal of his gorgeous saxophone playing.
Now’s the TimeJ.J.Johnson
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Johnson, born in 1924 in Indianapolis, USA, was a trombone player who developed his own virtuosic technique and was revered as the “God of the Trombone.” You can enjoy his trombone performance on the lively, upbeat tune “Now’s the Time.”