Famous Western jazz classics. Recommended popular songs.
Jazz has a longer history than rock or pop and encompasses many subgenres, so it’s no surprise that many people feel it’s a bit intimidating to get into.
Some may have a mental block because of the image they have of jazz, but in fact, there are countless famous jazz tunes you’ve probably heard somewhere—whether as timeless standards loved across generations, or as songs used in commercials and film scores.
In this article, we’ve gathered recommended classics and popular tracks that even jazz beginners can enjoy.
Focusing on vintage jazz numbers while mixing in standout tracks from contemporary jazz artists who’ve been attracting attention in recent years, we present a richly varied selection.
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Western jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (51–60)
SomosBuika
Buika is famous for incorporating a variety of genres—such as jazz and R&B—based on flamenco.
Above all, her greatest appeal is undoubtedly her exceptional vocal ability.
Among the many artists out there, she definitely ranks in the top five for her extraordinary singing.
“Somos” is one of her jazz numbers.
With strong flamenco elements mixed in, it has a distinctly different vibe from the jazz you might usually listen to.
Be sure to check it out.
Georgia On My MindRay Charles
It is the state song of Georgia in the southern United States.
Composed by Hoagy Michael and written by Stuart Gorrell in 1930, it has become a jazz and blues standard.
Ray Charles recorded it in 1960.
Goodbye Pork Pie HatCharles Mingus
A signature piece by bassist Charles Mingus, included on his 1959 album Mingus Ah Um.
The title “Pork Pie Hat” refers to a type of hat known in Japanese as a yama-daka-bō, and the piece is a ballad composed in memory of saxophonist Lester Young, who was known for wearing a pork pie hat.
A later version with lyrics added by singer Joni Mitchell is also well known.
All of MeBillie Holiday
This is Billie Holiday’s “All Of Me.” Alongside Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, she’s sometimes counted among the top three female jazz vocalists.
She led a tumultuous life, and the one-of-a-kind voice that poured from her lips is truly first-rate.
She seems laid-back, yet there’s a certain melancholy in her aura.
Her distinctive vocals may be an acquired taste, but before you know it, you’ll be utterly captivated.
Classic Western jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (61–70)
AntiguaElvin Jones
Elvin Jones is a familiar drummer to Japanese audiences.
He’s come to Japan many times and even plays in small clubs.
Japanese musicians like him, and he often performs with them.
The piece that always gets played then is Antigua.
It’s got a great groove and is really cool, so it’s recommended even for jazz beginners.
CameleonHerbie Hancock
From the late 1960s into the 1970s, jazz began incorporating electric instruments, and one of the key contributors to this shift was Herbie Hancock.
His album Head Hunters was a major hit, and it opens with Chameleon.
It’s a classic that still makes your heart leap, isn’t it?
Softly, as in a Morning SunriseSonny Clark
Sonny Clark’s “Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise” is an essential classic for anyone who listens to jazz.
Many pianists have performed this tune, but isn’t Sonny Clark’s rendition the standout? This is the song that makes many people fall in love with jazz.