Famous jazz musicians. Players who have graced the history of jazz.
The music genre known as “jazz” boasts a history of well over 100 years.
Absorbing the spirit of each era, it has evolved by embracing innovative techniques and experimenting with various approaches, continuously exerting a major influence on other genres.
From rock and heavy metal to club music, there are many artists who incorporate the essence of jazz to craft their own distinctive sounds.
In this article, we introduce the great musicians who have left a precious legacy in the history of jazz—artists whose talent and contributions to the genre have earned them the honorable title of “Jazz Giants.”
If you’re thinking of getting into jazz, be sure to check it out!
- [For Beginners] Classic Modern Jazz Albums: Recommended Records to Start With
- The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
- [Start Here] Jazz Masterpieces: A Must-Listen Album Selection
- Hall of Jazz: Classic Blue Note Records. Recommended jazz albums.
- Contemporary Jazz Masterpieces | A Selection of Classics, Old and New!
- Recommended Japanese jazz bands — from classic legends to rising young groups
- 【2026】A Collection of Masterpieces by Overseas Jazz Bands
- [Obituary] Hôko (Hiroko) Nakamura Passes Away: A Collection of Quotes from the International Pianist
- Famous pianists you should listen to at least once. Recommended pianists.
- A roundup of the greatest Western blues artists in history
- [2026] Jazz piano masterpieces: from standards to recent favorites
- Ranking of Popular Jazz Songs
- Recommendation of Wa-Jazz: A Masterpiece of Japanese Jazz—One Must-Listen Album
Famous jazz musicians: Players who shaped the history of jazz (11–20)
Cleopatra’s DreamBud Powell
This piece, composed by Bud Powell and recorded in 1959, is said to be overwhelmingly popular among Japanese fans and one of the most requested tunes in jazz clubs.
Born into a musical family, Powell is regarded as a leading figure of the bebop style on piano.
He had a close relationship with fellow pianist Thelonious Monk, who was considered a maverick of their generation.
Compared to Monk, often seen as a bundle of idiosyncrasy, Powell’s playing carries the image of a more orthodox, straight-ahead approach.
What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong, a trumpeter and singer famed for his distinctive gravelly voice, was a giant of jazz and one of America’s greatest entertainers.
He’s also widely known by his charming nickname, “Satchmo.” As a trumpeter, he earned the respect of countless players, including the great Miles Davis.
As a singer, his 1964 smash hit “Hello, Dolly!” even broke the Beatles’ streak of consecutive No.
1s at the height of their popularity.
The list of Armstrong’s achievements goes on and on.
What’s more, he made his mark as a writer as well.
It’s no exaggeration to say that a singular figure like Armstrong will never appear again.
On Green Dolphin StreetKeith Jarrett
Known for his semi-crouched posture and distinctive groans while playing, Keith Jarrett is a celebrated, prodigiously gifted jazz pianist.
His career extends far beyond jazz into classical and other genres, and he is also a talented composer and multi-instrumentalist.
Jarrett’s relationship with Japan is a special one: he has frequently visited both as a solo artist and with bands, and in 1978 he even gave a successful solo concert at the Nippon Budokan.
Despite battling a serious illness in the late 1990s, he made a miraculous comeback.
To experience Jarrett’s allure, you might start with The Köln Concert, the double live album released in 1975 that is often cited as the best-selling solo jazz album of all time.
Round MidnightWes Montgomery
Wes Montgomery, from Indianapolis, Indiana, is remembered in music history not only for his role in the history of jazz but also as an unparalleled player who influenced countless guitarists.
His use of the “octave technique,” in which the same pitch is played an octave apart on two strings—a hallmark often synonymous with his name—famously expanded the possibilities of jazz guitar.
Montgomery was also known for his fondness for Gibson’s L-5 CES guitar.
Sadly, he passed away at the young age of 45, but we’re truly fortunate to be able to enjoy his vast body of recordings, through which we can experience the many brilliant techniques he taught himself.
C Jam BluesOscar Peterson
Oscar Peterson, known as the “Emperor of the Keyboard,” stands at the pinnacle of jazz pianists, famed for his outstanding technique and original improvisation.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Peterson left a shining legacy in jazz that cannot be fully captured in a short passage.
Beyond his extraordinary, near-flawless technique, his buoyant, songful, and brisk performances never fail to bring a smile to listeners’ faces.
Unlike many forward-leaning jazz musicians, he was rarely surrounded by troubles or bad rumors, and even after a stroke left his left hand impaired, he fulfilled his life as an active performer.
His work is arguably an ideal first step into the vast world of jazz.