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[2025] Classic Jazz Vocal Albums: Must-Listen Recommendations

Jazz vocals are one of the most captivating forms of musical expression created by the human voice.

The sound world woven from heart-stirring melodies, profound emotional expression, and swinging, groovy rhythms heals the listener’s soul and at times offers powerful encouragement.

Timeless masterpieces continue to be loved across generations, and contemporary artists draw out new allure through fresh interpretations.

From classic standards to innovative contemporary jazz vocals, here are exquisite albums that are sure to enchant any music fan.

Encountering these legendary recordings will surely enrich your musical experience.

Playlist

[2025] Classic Jazz Vocal Albums: Must-Listen Recommendations
show_chartTitlePlaylistOne point
1eastGuess Who I Saw TodaySamara JoySamara Joy, winner of the Grammy Award for Best New Artist
2eastMy Funny ValentineChet BakerSince 1953, she/he has also been active as a vocalist...
3eastHey LauraGregory PorterGregory Porter's soulful song
4eastDon’t Know WhyNorah JonesRelaxing music by Norah Jones
5eastCheek To CheekElla Fitzgerald & Louis ArmstrongThe legendary figures of the jazz world: the supreme collaboration of Ella and Louis
6eastStrange FruitBillie HolidayA masterpiece that encapsulates Billie Holiday’s life in song
7eastLullaby of BirdlandSarah VaughanA masterpiece by Sarah Vaughan and Clifford Brown
8eastLet’s Fall in LoveDiana KrallRepresentative albums by Canadian jazz singers
9eastCry Me a RiverJulie LondonJulie London’s classic album, with a sensual singing voice
10eastFour WomenNina SimoneLove as free as the wind: the world of Nina Simone
11eastRadio SongEsperanza SpaldingJazz up close: Esperanza’s classic album
12eastIn The Wee Small HoursFrank Sinatrasinging the poignant longing of a lost love
13eastYou’d Be So Nice to Come Home ToHelen MerrillHelen Merrill, the legendary jazz album
14eastTea For TwoAnita O’DayChicago jazz club, Mister K…
15eastHarvest MoonCassandra WilsonA captivating musical world that transcends jazz
16eastI Left My Heart in San FranciscoTony BennettA classic song that sings of longing for San Francisco
17eastWhat A Difference A Day MadeJamie CullumPacked with the charm of jazz! Music brimming with youthful energy
18eastLove is the ThingNat King ColeAn album released in 1957 that...
19eastBlack CoffeePeggy LeeRecorded as a 10-inch version in 1953…
20eastLover Come Back To MeDinah WashingtonClifford Brown’s classic album, “Stud…”
21eastYou’d Be So Nice To Come Home ToHelen MerrillThe genius trumpeter who died young, Ku...
22eastMack The KnifeElla FitzgeraldOne of the grand dames of jazz vocals, Ella Fitc...
23eastAngel EyesCarmen McRaeReleased by Carmen McRae in 1958…
24eastWaltz For DebbyTony BennettThe warm, powerful voice of the great Tony Bennett…
25eastAutumn LeavesSarah VaughanSarah Vaughan, released in 1982…
26eastA Lovely Way To Spend An EveningCalabria FotiRich, woven from a tapestry of colorful, captivating tones…
27eastWhat’s NewLinda Ronstadt / Nelson Riddle OrchestraThe masterpiece that embodies the fusion of jazz and pop, “W….”
28eastCan’t Take My Eyes Off YouNicki ParrottA freely roaming approach that goes beyond the mainstream of jazz...
29eastCheek To CheekElla Fitzgerald & Louis ArmstrongOne of the three great female vocalists, Ella Fitzge—
30eastCome Away with MeNorah JonesWith a uniquely captivating voice, in jazz and pop...
31eastCalling YouHolly ColeHolly Cole is a female jazz [artist/singer] from Canada...
32eastMy One And Only LoveJohnny HartmanJohn Coltrane with Johnny Hartma...
33eastBut BeautifulBoz ScaggsA master who brings the allure of jazz standards to the modern age…
34eastA Ghost of a ChanceLee WileyWhen it comes to classic jazz vocal albums, it’s always included…
35eastYou’re Looking At MeDiana KrallNat King, released in 1996...
36eastNo Moon At AllJanet SeidelSwoon to the luscious flavors of jazz vocals...
37eastJumpin JiveCab CallowayCab, who gained popularity with his brilliant scat singing…
38eastLullaby Of BirdlandChris ConnorChris, who belonged to the Stan Kenton Orchestra...
39eastBewitchedJune ChristyJune Christy was also, along with Stan Ken...
40eastThe Girl From IpanemaJoão Gilberto, Astrud GilbertoAn album released in 1964, and it...
41eastSings & PlaysSammy Davis Jr.Bringing new life to the world of jazz vocals…
42eastStreet Walkin’ WomanMarlena ShawIn the mid-1970s, jazz was electr—
43eastYou Don’t Know What Love IsCassandra WilsonAfter the age of fusion had passed, jazz...
44eastAll of MeFrank SinatraOriginally released as a 10-inch album in 1954…
45eastDon’t ExplainNancy Wilson“Don’t Explain (Don’t Make Excuses…”
46eastI Put a spell on youNina SimoneBorderlines among gospel, blues, and jazz—
47eastFly Me To The MoonWestlifeIt was made famous by Frank Sinatra’s version, but...
48eastLet There Be LoveJulie LondonJulie London, released in 1960...
49eastBody And SoulBillie HolidayJATP(Jazz at the Phi…
50eastGood Morning HeartacheLaura FygiJazz, which originated as American music, spread throughout the world…
51eastSomeday My Prince Will ComeAlexis ColeCherished for a long time as a classic of jazz vocals...
52eastA Friend Like YouCharlie GreenAs a classic jazz vocal album, Charlie …
53eastAs Time Goes ByNatalie ColeNatalie, the daughter of Nat King Cole...
54eastSomeone to Watch Over MeCharlie Watts
Someone to Watch Over MeCharlie Watts
It’s a gem-like piece that shines in the world of jazz...
55eastIt’s LoveLena HorneLena Horne, who was also active as an actress, Ja...
56eastOn the street where you liveMel TormeThe wonderful arrangement of “Too Close…”
57eastBorn To Be BlueBeverly KenneyA poignant singing voice that evokes a blue-hued melody is captivating…
58eastWhat Matters MostBarbra StreisandBarbra, whose richly emotive and sensuous singing voice is so captivating, …
59eastEmbraceable YouJudy GarlandGeorge Ga..., the great American composer...
60eastStardustRoberta GambariniThe jazz singer from Italy, Roberta …
61eastParis SessionsTierney SuttonGaining attention as a classic of soul-stirring jazz vocals…
62eastLeft AloneAbbey LincolnAbbey Lincoln regarded Billie Holiday as…