Since the birth of jazz music at the turn of the twentieth century in New Orleans, there have been a number of influential musicians and singers who have impacted on the jazz scene. The past century has produced some outstanding jazz singers who have left their mark and are still revered to this day by jazz aficionados. Some artists have become synonymous with jazz and have left behind a lasting legacy, which continues to inspire modern jazz singers.
LOUIS ARMSTRONG is a giant in the world of jazz, both as a musician and singer. His unique rasping voice was used to great effect as he demonstrated his talent in various jazz styles. From the slow, melodic ballad type songs to the up tempo band sound, Louis Armstrong had a natural feel for music with a voice that many would call “imperfect” but effective.
BILLIE HOLIDAY remains an icon in the jazz/blues arena, a woman with a troubled life and a wonderful voice. One of the essential voices in jazz, Billie Holiday was a singer who accompanied some of the great jazz musicians of the day such as Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Louis Armstrong. She had a great talent for various singing styles but was especially strong with her blues renditions.
ELLA FITZGERALD is, for many, the greatest natural singer the world has ever known. The greatest jazz singer ever to grace the scene, she had what many perceived as the perfect singing voice with a clarity and tone that was second to none. Her repertoire was boundless as she demonstrated how to sing jazz songs of all kinds with ease. In a search for the greatest singer of the twentieth century, Ella Fitzgerald was voted as number one by many listeners, ahead of people like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
The true measure of the most influential of jazz singers is the legacy they leave behind. Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald have all been outstanding influences on jazz music and continue to set the standard for the current proponents of the genre.
The talent they displayed in their prime sets the standard that others have tried to emulate. Jazz lovers to this day will continue to add the songs and music of these entertainers to their personal collections, an evidence of the esteem in which they are held. There have been many great jazz singers in the past century, but these three are definitely among the top artists in the world of jazz.