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
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- Famous Western jazz classics. Recommended popular songs.
- A classic jazz ballad from Western music. A world-famous masterpiece and popular song.
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Recommended jazz vocals. The world’s great jazz singers (1–10)
Sous l’eauKeren Ann
Keren Ann is a singer-songwriter from Israel.
She has released a lot of pop music, but her sound has a fundamental jazz feel and she is highly regarded in the jazz scene as well.
Among her works, the one I particularly recommend is Sous l’eau.
It features a classic sound and a dark vocal tone, with a strong sense of jazz in the singing.
If you like jazz sung in French, be sure to check it out.
One Note SambaElla Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald, known for her swinging scat, has an overwhelming sense of swing even when she sings Latin-style numbers.
Among jazz vocalists, she projects a bright image and can be considered one of the three great vocalists, serving as a role model for singers active today.
Tu sais je vais t´aimerDiana Panton
Diana Panton is an artist whose charming voice and classic jazz vocals leave a strong impression.
She has released many covers and, though she is a Canadian artist, she actively releases songs in French.
As a result, she has built a steady following in Europe as well.
One of her standout tracks is “Tu sais je vais t’aimer.” As the title suggests, it’s a French-language piece, arranged in a quintessential slow-jazz style.
Be sure to give it a listen.
Recommended Jazz Vocalists: The World’s Great Jazz Singers (11–20)
Gypsy in My SoulConnie Evingson
Connie Evingson, a jazz vocalist from Minnesota known for her sultry voice, has also released jazz blended with pop elements.
However, because she grew up listening to Count Basie and Glenn Miller from a young age, her foundation is firmly rooted in classic, straight-ahead jazz.
Her song “Gypsy in My Soul” is one of her signature pieces and a work where you can really savor her expressive range.
The original song is relatively obscure, so be sure to check out the original as well.
Black CoffeePeggy Lee
Peggy Lee, who endured a difficult childhood marked by abuse from her stepmother, is said to have taken any job she could get in her early days.
She showcased her talents not only as a singer but also as an actress and songwriter, leaving behind a wealth of work.
With her cool, captivating voice, she recorded many bluesy songs as well.
God Bless The ChildBillie Holiday
Alongside Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, she is regarded as one of the top three female jazz vocalists, yet among them she carries the darkest image.
Her distinctive melodic “fakes,” in which she departs from the written score, have influenced countless artists.
Hit The Road JackRay Charles
He has been active as a blind pianist and singer.
His signature song, “Georgia on My Mind,” released in 1961, is often used in commercials, so many of you have probably heard it.
His cover of Southern All Stars’ “Itoshi no Ellie” also drew attention.