Recommended jazz vocals. The world’s greatest jazz singers.
Jazz fills you with exhilaration while maintaining a calm atmosphere.
It’s one of the most familiar genres of music, yet because of its long history, many people may feel it’s a bit “intimidating.”
For those people, we’ve picked out some of the world’s greatest jazz vocalists.
In the first half, we focus on the classic vocalists who helped shape jazz; in the second half, we feature vocalists leading today’s jazz scene.
Whether you’re well-versed in jazz or brand new to it, we’ve put together a list you can enjoy.
Please relax and enjoy it to the very end.
- [2025] Classic Jazz Vocal Albums: Must-Listen Recommendations
- Captivating female jazz singers who illuminate the history of jazz. Recommended jazz vocals from around the world.
- [Start Here] Jazz Masterpieces: A Must-Listen Album Selection
- Famous jazz musicians. Players who have graced the history of jazz.
- The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
- [For Beginners] Classic Modern Jazz Albums: Recommended Records to Start With
- [Jazz Intro] Classic Jazz Tracks Recommended for First-Time Listeners
- A roundup of great soul music singers and artists
- Famous Western jazz classics. Recommended popular songs.
- A classic jazz ballad from Western music. A world-famous masterpiece and popular song.
- A roundup of iconic bossa nova artists and singers
- [Western Jazz] A Special Feature on Standard Numbers You’ve Heard at Least Once
- [Western Music] A Recommendation of the Lady of Soul: Wonderful Female Soul Singers
Recommended Jazz Vocals: The World’s Great Jazz Singers (61–70)
Afro BlueAbbey Lincoln
Her soulful, wistful vocal delivery was hailed as a reincarnation of Billie Holiday.
Beyond being a vocalist, she also has a career as an actress.
In this track, you can feel the resilient core of the deeper history of jazz, which has long fought against anti-Black discrimination.
Mornin’Al Jarreau
He has a very wide vocal range, and when it comes to scatting, his technique is second to none.
This track is a jazz-funk style rhythm number, and it has long been one of his classic songs, remaining popular in live performances.
But Not For MeChet Baker
Chet Baker, a trumpeter who also sang, gained popularity for his androgynous vocals.
However, after sinking into drug use from the late 1950s, he led a troubled life—having his front teeth knocked out in a drug-related fight in 1970, which left him unable to play for a time—and ultimately died in 1988 after falling from a hotel window.
Even so, his singing has never lost its luster.
CaravanCyrille Aimée
Her cute singing voice, richly emotional expressiveness, and high-level vocal skills that let you enjoy standard numbers in a completely fresh sound are all wonderful.
Not only does she deliver enchanting standards in her own colors, but the way she weaves in original, vibrant scat is another highlight.
Waltz For DebbyEliane Elias
They offer comforting jazz with a warm, tender, and slightly sultry singing voice, paired with simple yet sophisticated piano playing that avoids unnecessary showiness.
It’s a track you can enjoy pleasantly, as a lively standard number rides a delightful swinging rhythm.
BUTTERFLYGretchen Parlato
Her delicate, gentle singing voice is wonderfully soothing and enchanting—like a twilight breeze caressing your cheek.
Not only her voice, but the way she naturally enjoys and expresses music with her whole body lets you fully feel her own JAZZ sound in this track.
Losing YouJamie Cullum
He has a youthful male vocal, yet he can freely command poignancy, sweetness, and punch, with a distinctive, overtone-rich voice.
His jazzy piano-and-vocal performances have earned him popularity.
He nails not only swingy numbers but also heartrending ballads, making for a thoroughly compelling listen.