Women in Jazz Music: The Pioneers and Innovators
Contents
Jazz music has been around for over a century, and women have been playing an important role in its development since the beginning. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most important women in jazz music, from the pioneers who helped establish the genre to the innovators who continue to push its boundaries.
Women in Jazz: The Pioneers
Although women have been involved in music for centuries, it was not until the late 19th and early 20th century that they began to gain recognition in the jazz world. Women such as Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan were some of the first to gain popularity as jazz singers. These women paved the way for future female jazz musicians and continue to be revered as pioneers in the genre.
Bessie Smith
The Queen of the Blues, Bessie Smith was one of the most influential singers of her generation. She started out singing in churches and on the streets before making her first recordings in 1923. Her rich, powerful voice and expressive style made her a favorite with both black and white audiences. She went on to become one of the highest-paid performers of her day, headlining her own shows and touring with some of the biggest names in jazz.
Though she only recorded for a decade, Smith left a lasting legacy. Her records were hugely popular, helping to shape the sound of blues and jazz for generations to come. She was also an important figure in the civil rights movement, using her platform to speak out against racism and promote equality. In 2013, she was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress “in recognition of her lasting contributions to American culture.”
Billie Holiday
One of the most influential jazz singers of all time, Billie Holiday had a vocal style that was unique and instantly recognizable. She was born Eleanora Fagan in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1915 and got her start singing in Harlem nightclubs in the 1930s. Her recording of “Strange Fruit” in 1939 brought her national attention and remains one of the most powerful protest songs ever recorded. Holiday’s career was often troubled by drug addiction and violence, but her voice remained a force to be reckoned with until her untimely death at the age of 44.
Ella Fitzgerald
One of the most renowned jazz singers of all time, Ella Fitzgerald was known for her clear, sweet voice and incredible vocal range. Born in Virginia in 1917, she got her start singing in Harlem night clubs in the 1930s. She rose to prominence in the 1940s with her work on the Decca label, including such hits as “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” and “How High the Moon.” In the 1950s, she began working with the legendary jazz impresario Norman Granz, appearing on his Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts and recording for his Verve label. During this time, she made some of her most important recordings, including the Songbook series, in which she interpreted the work of great American songwriters. Fitzgerald continued to perform and record until her death in 1996.
Women in Jazz: The Innovators
Women have been playing an integral role in the development of jazz music since its inception. From the early innovators to the contemporary pioneers, women have made their mark on this genre of music. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most influential women in jazz music.
Nina Simone
One of the most influential jazz artists of all time, Nina Simone was a classically trained pianist who infused her music with elements of gospel, blues and pop. A vocalist as well as a pianist, Simone was known for her expressive, emotive singing style. Throughout her career, she explored a wide range of musical genres, including jazz standards, folk songs, blues, gospel, pop and classical music. A political activist as well as a musician, Simone was an outspoken critic of racism and injustice. She is best remembered for her 1960s civil rights anthems “Mississippi Goddam” and “Young, Gifted and Black.”
Sarah Vaughan
Sarah Vaughan (March 27, 1924 – April 3, 1990) was an American jazz singer. Nicknamed “Sassy” and “The Divine One”, she won four Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. She was given an NEA Jazz Masters Award in 1987. Critic Scott Yanow wrote that she had “one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century.”
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Vaughan began singing at an early age. She attended conservatories in Toronto and New York, but later quit to pursue a career in music. She sang with big bands throughout the 1940s before starting her solo career in 1949. Her debut album, Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown, was released in 1954 and was praised by critics. She followed it with a series of successful albums, including Swingin’ Easy (1955), No Count Sarah (1956), and Sarah + 2 (1957).
In the 1960s and 1970s, Vaughan’s career declined somewhat due to personal problems and a change in musical taste; however, she continued to record and perform to great acclaim until her death in 1990. Her final album, Brazilian Romance (1989), was nominated for a Grammy Award.
Carmen McRae
As a jazz singer, composer, and pianist, Carmen McRae was one of the most influential and respected musicians of her time. A protégée of Lena Horne, McRae made her name in the 1950s and ‘60s with her interpretations of songs by Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, and Leonard Bernstein. She went on to release over 30 albums in her career, including four Grammy-nominated records. Carmen McRae was a true pioneer in the world of jazz music.
