Let’s take a trip down memory lane. You may not have been alive during the time of some of these top American jazz singers, but if you heard some of their soul stirring songs right now, you’d definitely know who they are. For those who love jazz and big band music, music history is important. This roundup shows off some of the best American jazz singers of the past century.
- Louis Armstrong. You may know him as a top trumpet player too, but Armstrong was one of the voices that defined the jazz age. Armstrong was a fan of scat singing and is known as the father of modern jazz music.
- Billie Holiday. A mix of the blues and jazz created her haunting, soft voice that focused on her life. Holiday is one of the most-recognized voices by older generations. The structure of her songs focused on hard times, much like blues, bringing a new era of jazz music to the mainstream public.
- Dinah Washington. It’s said that Washington was one of Aretha Franklin’s major influences when the latter started her singing career in the 50s. Washington had a big personality and a voice to go with it. Her music was a mix of R&B, jazz and blues.
- Lena Horne. Horne started her career at the famous Cotton Club in New York City. Horne appeared in many movies throughout the 40s, which eventually created racial tension in the film industry. Because of this Horne recessed back to music and played in nightclubs with the likes of Duke Ellington and other jazz greats of the era.
- Nat “King” Cole. Cole brought jazz and R&B together in a progressive manner that was the beginning of rock ‘n roll. He started his career in the early ‘40s and while many in America did not want to listen to his music because of his race, he was among the first African American performers to sing with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.
Learning about the top American jazz sings is an interesting subject that brings to light race issues and politics in this country throughout middle of the century. Jazz lovers know that history plays a strong role in the music that was created during this era. Learning more about the political climate of American society during these tumultuous decades helps you understand the perspective of the musicians that dominated the genre.
American Jazz Singers – Sylvia Brooks looks to the greats when performing at events and parties. Learn more about booking jazz musicians and big bands by visiting Sitename.
