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 Vocalists: The World’s Great Jazz Singers (11–20)
Soul EyesKandace Springs
Candice Springs is an artist from Nashville.
She’s what you’d call a modern jazz singer, and her music shows a strong influence from Norah Jones.
Among her works, the number I especially recommend is Soul Eyes.
It was composed by American trumpeter Terence Blanchard and has been covered by various artists.
This version stands out for its more contemporary, soulful arrangement.
Nearness of YouLizz Wright
The artist Lizz Wright, from the state of Georgia, is active as a gospel singer and jazz vocalist.
In her jazz work, she excels at a distinctive style that blends the powerful delivery of gospel.
Among her recordings, one track I particularly recommend is “The Nearness of You.” Glenn Miller’s version is especially well known, and this masterpiece has been cherished as a jazz standard from 1940 to the present.
Don’t Go To StrangersEtta Jones
Etta Jones, a powerhouse once dubbed the “best-kept secret” of the American jazz scene.
Her soulful voice, infused with the warmth of blues and gospel, stands as an art form refined over a nearly 60-year career.
Her signature 1960 release, Don’t Go To Strangers, not only earned a Gold Record but was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
The mature performances she crafted in tandem with tenor saxophonist Houston Person convey the profound emotions of jazz without omission.
If you’re looking to experience a voice that warmly embraces the heart, immerse yourself in her world.
Speak LowDiane Schuur
Many of you may have experienced your hearts trembling at a soul-stirring singing voice.
Diane Schuur from the United States—affectionately known as “Deedles”—is a powerhouse vocalist who has won the Grammy Award twice.
Having overcome challenges from birth and devoted herself wholeheartedly to the path of music, it’s as if her very life infuses her voice with deep emotion.
Her perfect pitch, an astonishing 3.
5-octave range, and expressive ability to glide effortlessly from jazz to blues combine beautifully, earning widespread acclaim from fans.
Her powerful yet warm voice is sure to enrich your musical experience.
From The StartLaufey
Laufey, the Icelandic artist, creates music that lets you sink into the feeling of watching a beautiful short film.
Her sound—where a deep, warm voice reminiscent of her beloved Ella Fitzgerald blends brilliantly with the sparkle of contemporary pop—is unforgettable after just one listen.
Grounded in jazz and classical training, her music strikes a perfect balance: nostalgic yet never dated.
With her striking presence singing while holding a cello, Laufey’s songs are sure to open a new door into the world of jazz.
Stormy WeatherEthel Waters
Ethel Waters shines brilliantly in the history of American entertainment.
She was truly a trailblazer who masterfully fused the deep emotion of the blues with the glamour of popular music.
Iconic songs like “Stormy Weather” and “Am I Blue?” have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, testifying to her immeasurable achievements.
Having risen from adversity, she left a dazzling mark not only in music but also on Broadway and in film, and it’s as if her life story lends her voice its depth and conviction.
Listening to her performances, where the melancholy of the blues coexists with the sophistication of jazz, one can’t help but feel a powerful spirit that confronts hardship—an effect as mysterious as it is moving.
Recommended Jazz Vocals: The World’s Great Jazz Singers (21–30)
Back It UpCara Emerald
Caro Emerald, a jazz singer from the Netherlands, is one of the leading vocalists in electro swing—a genre created by Austrian artist Parov Stelar—and she has earned high acclaim not only in Europe but worldwide.
Her classic track “Back It Up” is among her signature works, notable for its upbeat style that blends elements of hip-hop with swing jazz.