Recommended jazz vocals. The world’s greatest jazz singers.
Jazz fills you with exhilaration while maintaining a calm atmosphere.
It’s one of the most familiar genres of music, yet because of its long history, many people may feel it’s a bit “intimidating.”
For those people, we’ve picked out some of the world’s greatest jazz vocalists.
In the first half, we focus on the classic vocalists who helped shape jazz; in the second half, we feature vocalists leading today’s jazz scene.
Whether you’re well-versed in jazz or brand new to it, we’ve put together a list you can enjoy.
Please relax and enjoy it to the very end.
- [2026] Masterpieces of jazz vocals: recommended albums you should listen to at least once
- Captivating female jazz singers who illuminate the history of jazz. Recommended jazz vocals from around the world.
- [Start Here] Jazz Masterpieces: A Must-Listen Album Selection
- Famous jazz musicians. Players who have graced the history of jazz.
- [2026] A Collection of Classic Japanese Ballads with a Jazz Flavor
- Classic swing jazz tunes. Recommended popular songs.
- The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
- Male singers with great voices: a collection of cool, seductive vocals
- [For Beginners] Classic Modern Jazz Albums: Recommended Records to Start With
- [Jazz Intro] Classic Jazz Tracks Recommended for First-Time Listeners
- Recommended for Gen Z! Classic love songs sung by female artists
- Jazz commercial songs. Popular commercial songs.
- [2026] Jazz BGM: A collection of recommended classics for work and study
Recommended Jazz Vocals: The World’s Great Jazz Singers (21–30)
Lullaby of birdlandChris Connor
Chris Connor, the American jazz singer who rose to fame as one of Stan Kenton’s celebrated “Kenton Girls,” captivated listeners with her husky, cool voice that seemed to carry the atmosphere of a city night.
Her tone blended effortlessly with any ensemble, from big bands to intimate piano trios.
Her body of work after signing with Atlantic Records in the 1950s is filled with masterpieces that solidified her sophisticated style.
Though cool, her singing also conveys a certain warmth that feels close to the heart, inviting listeners into the profound world of jazz.
You’ll find yourself entranced by her distinctive sense of space and expressive power.
Honeysuckle RoseAnita O’Day
Anita O’Day, whose horn-like vocal approach creates a distinctive sense of rhythm.
With her husky voice, she joined the Stan Kenton Orchestra like Chris Connor and June Christy and achieved success.
Despite struggling with various addictions, she continued performing as a singer into her later years.
Autumn LeavesEva Cassidy
A husky, compelling singing voice and a country-tinged yet somehow lonely, heartrending sound are its charms.
This track is a full-on showcase of Eva Cassidy’s uniquely original world, as she sings classic jazz standards with both tenderness and power while accompanying herself on guitar.
Wild Is The WindNiki King
Her alluring, mature vocal tone and looks are captivating.
When Nikki King sings this song, best known from Nina Simone’s rendition, it becomes a ballad that feels wistfully sensual yet crisp and dignified.
A deeply evocative piece that pairs beautifully with the mellow piano sound.
Born to Be BlueBeverly Kenney
It’s a song with rather negative lyrics about a life born blue, and yet, for some reason, it’s interestingly colored in vibrant hues—green, gold, even pastels.
She produced few works, having died an untimely death at a young age, but this song is said to be one of her signature pieces.
But Not For MeChet Baker
Chet Baker, a trumpeter who also sang, gained popularity for his androgynous vocals.
However, after sinking into drug use from the late 1950s, he led a troubled life—having his front teeth knocked out in a drug-related fight in 1970, which left him unable to play for a time—and ultimately died in 1988 after falling from a hotel window.
Even so, his singing has never lost its luster.
Afro BlueDianne Reeves
Dianne Reeves, the queen of contemporary jazz vocals, was born into a musical family: a singer for a father, a trumpeter for a mother, and a cousin who is a famous pianist.
With a rare gift, she effortlessly performs a wide range of songs, from a sweet, wistful husky voice to high notes like birdsong.
