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 great jazz singers (1–10)
Lullaby Of BirdlandSarah Vaughan
She is regarded as one of the three great vocalists in the jazz world, alongside Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
She sings across a wide range with a wonderfully captivating voice and powerful projection, and her scat singing is extraordinarily virtuosic.
In addition to jazz, she performed many pop covers, including songs by the Beatles and the Carpenters.
SwayHalie Loren
Harry Loren, a jazz vocalist who has been gaining popularity in Japan, also excels at catchy genres like jazz-pop, and topped Billboard Japan’s Top 20 Jazz Vocalists chart.
One of her signature songs is Sway, the English cover of the Latin jazz tune “Quién será.” Combined with her rich lower register, it creates a distinctly mature, sultry vibe.
Be sure to check it out.
You’d Be So Nice To Come Home ToHelen Merrill
She’s known for her captivating husky voice, dubbed the “Sigh of New York.” Among her recordings, her rendition of “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To” on Helen Merrill with Clifford Brown—arranged by Quincy Jones—is especially famous.
L-O-V-ENat King Cole
Nat King Cole originally started his career as a pianist, but as his voice gained recognition, he later became a singer.
Most people have probably heard many of his hit songs.
His daughter, Natalie Cole, also drew attention when she released a duet using his vocals.
Moon RiverLouis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong was one of the most famous jazz musicians of the 20th century.
While playing the trumpet, he also gained popularity as an artist who sang.
In 1967, What a Wonderful World was a huge hit, and many people in Japan have probably heard it as well, since it was used in commercials.
Come Rain or Come ShineDinah Washington
Known as the “Queen of the Blues,” she was a singer celebrated for her soulful voice and piercing, steely high notes.
Having performed as a pianist in a gospel choir from childhood, she began her career as a jazz singer and pianist in her late teens.
She passed away in 1963 at the age of 39, to much sorrow.
Fly Me To The MoonFrank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra is said to be not only a jazz icon but also one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century.
He influenced countless musicians and produced many million-selling hits.
Many people have surely been entranced by his captivating voice.
It’s even said that his recordings were listened to aboard Apollo 11.