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)
No More BluesRoberta Gambarini
While sensing the beauty of a poised woman, her soothing singing voice is captivating.
It’s a song that is very much her own, beginning with a rubato introduction to a bossa nova standard, laced with scat.
A masterpiece where the light, rhythmic sound and a saudade-tinged vocal blend to perfection.
Recommended Jazz Vocals: The World’s Great Jazz Singers (51–60)
Night and DayAngela Hagenbach
A vocalist known for a smoky, full-bodied, sexy low register.
They deliver a lively, samba-tinged rendition of “Night and Day,” rich with sensuality and depth.
It’s a superb track with a hot sound that also conveys a mature, passionate intensity.
New York State of MindAnn Burton
Even if you’ve never been to New York, the lyrics of this song conjure the city so vividly that it might be considered both a jazz standard and a pop tune.
In this version, too, the shadowed, ballad-like melody resonates with exquisite beauty.
SpainBobby McFerrin
Bobby McFerrin stands apart from the so-called “singers.” He freely wields his voice like an instrument and continues to make music with an instrumental approach.
He’s known for the hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” but that’s only a small part of who he is.
Exploring his many talents is likely to broaden your musical perspective.
L-O-V-EHalie Loren
The charm lies in a sultry yet subtly cute singing voice.
With an arrangement that complements an up-tempo bossa nova rhythm, “LOVE” pairs delightfully with her adorable vocals, resulting in a stylish and refreshing track.
Cry Me A RiverJulie London
She began her career as a film actress and went through a rather unpromising apprenticeship period before devoting herself to being a housewife.
After a divorce, she switched to a singing career, and from her first album she had a hit.
She mainly sang jazz standards and was loved by many listeners.
Fly Me To The MoonLaura Fygi
She is a Dutch vocalist who has provided numerous songs that bridge Latin music and jazz.
She has appeared on the Billboard charts, and her distinctive husky voice resonated within the Black music scene, propelling her to the status of a top artist.