Artists and Female Singers in Western Music to Listen to in Summer: 2026 Rankings

Sweet Georgia BrownAnita O’Day21rank/position

Anita O’Day – Sweet Georgia Brown & Tea for Two

If you’re a jazz enthusiast, chances are the music documentary Jazz on a Summer’s Day, which captures the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival, ranks among your favorite music films.

Even among the many historic performances in the film, Anita O’Day’s rendition of “Sweet Georgia Brown,” by one of the quintessential female jazz vocalists, is especially famous as an unforgettable scene.

Anita’s impeccably stylish fashion and her breathtaking vocals have a magnetism that makes you want to watch them over and over.

“Sweet Georgia Brown” is a jazz standard known in many arrangements, but since our theme here is summer jazz, I hope you’ll enjoy it together with the footage from Jazz on a Summer’s Day!

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KOH-1

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Problem ft. Iggy AzaleaAriana Grande22rank/position

Ariana Grande – Problem ft. Iggy Azalea

Dance music is also an essential part of summer.

Among the many tracks out there, this one has a great rhythm and is the kind of song you’ll want to play at events like parties or on a drive.

The strong female vocals make it easy to listen to, even for those who prefer Japanese music.

FoolishAshanti23rank/position

Ashanti – Foolish

This is a quintessential summer track by mainstream singer Ashanti, who establishes her music with an exceptional sense of vocals and a comfortably textured sound, achieving a perfect balance.

With a glamorous atmosphere and lyrics that gently elevate a sense of ease, it can be enjoyed as a clubber-like style.

Beach SambaAstrud Gilberto24rank/position

Beach Samba

This is the song “Beach Samba” by Astrud Gilberto, the Queen of Bossa Nova, known for her signature track “The Girl from Ipanema.” It was released in 1967.

Many people at the time admired her cool vocals and the free-flowing scat she delivered.

When you think of samba, you probably imagine bright, festive music.

But I think a slightly melancholic samba like this one also has its place.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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The Girl From IpanemaAstrud Gilberto & Stan Getz25rank/position

The Girl From Ipanema

Astrud Gilberto, a singer from Brazil who gained popularity with a musical style that blends bossa nova and jazz.

If you like bossa nova, you probably know her.

Her bossa nova has strong jazz elements, and this track, “The Girl From Ipanema,” is a bossa nova song that heavily reflects jazz influences.

The stylish jazz sensibility combined with the laid-back bossa nova vibe is perfect for a summer sunset.

Be sure to check it out.

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Ryo

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