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 (41–50)
My Foolish HeartJane Monheit
The jazz sound woven by Jane Monheit, who captivates with her beautiful tone and sultry vocals, radiates a truly unique allure.
This is a standard number brimming with originality, featuring a classic ballad masterfully sung in a bossa arrangement.
Born to Be BlueBeverly Kenney
It’s a song with rather negative lyrics about a life born blue, and yet, for some reason, it’s interestingly colored in vibrant hues—green, gold, even pastels.
She produced few works, having died an untimely death at a young age, but this song is said to be one of her signature pieces.
Honeysuckle RoseAnita O’Day
Anita O’Day, whose horn-like vocal approach creates a distinctive sense of rhythm.
With her husky voice, she joined the Stan Kenton Orchestra like Chris Connor and June Christy and achieved success.
Despite struggling with various addictions, she continued performing as a singer into her later years.
On The Sunny Side Of The StreetEsperanza Spalding
Influenced by her mother, who had an interest in music, she tried various instruments and developed a feel for music, then switched to bass at the age of 14 and later began singing as well.
Discovered by Pat Metheny and Patti Austin, she is captivating when performing bass and vocals simultaneously, and her performances are sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners.
My One And Only LoveSophie Milman
Her sexy look perfectly matches her sultry velvet voice.
With lyrics brimming with tender feelings and a beautiful melody, she delivers this popular standard number at a soothing slow tempo, her alluring yet comforting vocals making it a pleasure to listen to.
Fly me to the MoonDiana Panton
Diana Panton, whose charm lies in her cute and catchy vocals, is a singer who lets you slowly savor a warm, familiar sound.
She infuses even ultra-famous standards with her own color, creating a light, comfortable atmosphere.
Black OrpheusConnie Evingson
Her calm, pleasantly languid singing voice is captivating, with a sound that carries a mature, shadowy allure.
In “Black Orpheus,” her saudade-tinged vocals shine even more alongside the wistful guitar tones, making it a track that feels perfect for sipping a drink.