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 greatest jazz singers (71–80)
Devil May CareKendra Shank
The sound is appealing, offering a light yet matte-like luster.
The vocals are casual, light, and swinging, with rich expressiveness, and the brisk scatting leaves a good impression.
The balance with the piano trio is exquisite, making it a pleasantly listenable track.
You Don’t Know What Love IsKurt Elling
Not only does he have a richly resonant singing voice, but his scat and vocal improvisations are outstanding, making it a track you can’t afford to miss for even a moment with his signature arrangement.
His ability as a vocalist to improvise on equal footing with the instruments is second to none.
WoodstockLaila Biali
Her lustrous velvet voice and piano-playing vocals enhance the graceful beauty of the jazz numbers, letting them soar.
The duo with upright bass delivers a rich, full-bodied sound with a deep groove, and the crisp, well-defined arrangement results in a superb finish.
When I Fall In LoveLovisa
The clear, gentle, and youthful voice with great range is captivating.
While the slow tempo carries a soothing, wavering feel, it also evokes a deep sense of nostalgia, creating a comforting atmosphere.
The tender trumpet solo is utterly enchanting as well.
Close Your EyesNellie McKay
A vocalist known for her cute, pop-tinged singing voice.
This track, with its dramatic, swinging arrangement, is engaging to listen to, and her light, charming voice brings it all together with a well-balanced finish that’s pleasant to the ear.
SummertimeNorah Jones
In the jazz vocal world, she leans strongly toward rock and pop colors, though her major was jazz piano.
She’s had many hits with her own original songs.
Her father is sitar player Ravi Shankar, said to have influenced the Beatles.
It seems that her diverse musical roots deepen her music.
The Look of LoveDiana Krall
Originally active as a pianist from the age of 15, she moved to Los Angeles at the invitation of bass legend Ray Brown, where she began singing.
She still performs in a singer-pianist style, singing while playing the piano.
In her private life, she is married to Elvis Costello and is the mother of twins.