Singers and Vocalists

30 Black Male Jazz Singers You Need to Listen to Right Now

Jazz has a rich history, and modern black male jazz singers continue pushing the genre forward.

This list highlights 30 talented artists shaping jazz’s future with their unique voices, innovative styles, and powerful performances.

These musicians bring a fresh perspective to the jazz scene, from deep baritone vocalists to versatile instrumentalists.

They blend traditional elements with contemporary influences, creating music that resonates deeply with listeners.

Each artist on this list contributes to modern jazz’s lively and diverse sound, ensuring the genre remains vibrant and relevant.

As you explore their music, you will discover the various sounds and styles that define contemporary jazz.

Modern Black Male Jazz Singers

1. Gregory Porter

Year of Birth: 1971
Notable Works: “Liquid Spirit,” “Take Me to the Alley”
Awards and Recognition: Multiple Grammy awards

Gregory Porter’s voice is rich and moves listeners. His music combines jazz and soul in a familiar and fresh way. Porter’s songs often discuss love and personal growth, sung with a sincerity that helps people connect with his music individually.

2. José James

Year of Birth: 1978
Notable Works: “No Beginning No End,” “While You Were Sleeping”
Awards and Recognition: Edison Award for Best Vocal Jazz Album

José James brings new jazz ideas, mixing them skillfully with soul and hip-hop beats. His music breaks down the walls between styles, creating timeless and current sounds. James’s smooth singing flows over complex musical arrangements, taking listeners through today’s jazz scene.

3. Jon Batiste

Year of Birth: 1986
Notable Works: “We Are,” “Hollywood Africans”
Awards and Recognition: Grammy-winning album “We Are,” Oscar for Best Original Score for “Soul”

Jon Batiste’s music beats with the heart of New Orleans jazz mixed with today’s pop sounds. His shows are lively music parties, whether he’s playing on TV or at a big jazz event. Batiste’s songs often carry positive messages wrapped in tunes that stick in your head.

4. Robert Glasper

Year of Birth: 1978
Notable Works: “Black Radio,” “Canvas”
Awards and Recognition: Multiple Grammy awards, including Best R&B Album

Robert Glasper’s new ideas put him at the front of today’s jazz scene. His piano playing shows great skill and deep feeling, while his music combines jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. Glasper’s work with many artists has helped bring jazz to younger listeners.

5. Kamasi Washington

Year of Birth: 1981
Notable Works: “The Epic,” “Heaven and Earth”
Awards and Recognition: American Music Prize for Best Debut Album

Kamasi Washington’s music is big and bold, with long pieces that stretch what jazz can be. His saxophone can go from soft and gentle to loud and powerful, always fitting the larger musical story. Washington’s albums often feel like big musical adventures, asking listeners to explore new sound worlds.

6. Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah

Year of Birth: 1983
Notable Works: “Stretch Music,” “Ancestral Recall”
Awards and Recognition: Edison Award for Jazz Album of the Year

Christian Scott a Tunde Adjuah brings a fresh sound to jazz trumpet. His music mixes old and new styles, creating something unique. Adjuah’s albums show his skill in blending traditional jazz with current music trends, making his work stand out in today’s jazz scene.

7. D’Angelo

Year of Birth: 1974
Notable Works: “Brown Sugar,” “Black Messiah”
Awards and Recognition: Grammy awards for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Song

D’Angelo’s music is a rich mix of jazz, soul, and funk. His voice has a special quality that draws listeners in. D’Angelo’s albums, especially “Black Messiah,” show his ability to create old-school and current music. His songs often carry deep messages, sung with real feeling.

8. Michael Mwenso

Year of Birth: 1984
Notable Works: “Michael Mwenso & The Shakes”
Awards and Recognition: Recognized for energetic performances and unique style

Michael Mwenso brings high energy to his music. Leading his band, The Shakes, Mwenso creates a lively blend of jazz, blues, and African rhythms. His shows are known for their excitement, with Mwenso’s strong stage presence pulling the audience into the music.

9. Aaron Diehl

Year of Birth: 1985
Notable Works: “The Bespoke Man’s Narrative,” “Space Time Continuum”
Awards and Recognition: Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz from the American Pianists Association

Aaron Diehl’s piano playing bridges the gap between classical music and jazz. He’s known for working with top singers, and his albums show off his wide-ranging musical skills. Diehl’s music is thoughtful and well-crafted, bringing a fresh take to jazz piano.

10. Michael Mayo

Year of Birth: 1991
Notable Works: “Bones”
Awards and Recognition: Recognized for his range and creativity

Michael Mayo is a young singer who is bringing new life to vocal jazz. His first album, “Bones,” shows off his wide vocal range and creative songwriting. Mayo’s music mixes traditional jazz singing with modern touches, making him a rising star to watch in the jazz world.

11. Leon Bridges

Year of Birth: 1989
Notable Works: “Coming Home,” “Good Thing”
Awards and Recognition: Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album

Leon Bridges brings a fresh take on classic soul and jazz sounds. His smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics remind listeners of old-school R&B but with a modern twist. Bridges’ music, especially his debut album “Coming Home,” captures a timeless feel that appeals to young and old fans.

12. James Francies

Year of Birth: 1995
Notable Works: “Flight”
Awards and Recognition: Blue Note recording artist, recognized for fresh sound

James Francies is a young pianist making waves in the jazz world. His playing combines technical skill with creative flair. Francie’s album “Flight” shows his talent for mixing jazz with other styles, creating new and exciting music. His work is helping shape the future of jazz piano.

13. Isaiah Sharkey

Year of Birth: 1989
Notable Works: Collaboration with D’Angelo, solo album “Love.Life.Live”
Awards and Recognition: Recognized for exceptional guitar skills and soulful vocals

Isaiah Sharkey stands out for his guitar skills and soulful singing. He’s worked with big music names and made his album, “Love.Life.Live.” Sharkey’s style mixes jazz, R&B, and funk, creating a rich sound that’s all his own. His live shows are known for their energy and skill.

14. Ambrose Akinmusire

Year of Birth: 1982
Notable Works: “Origami Harvest,” “The Imagined Savior is Far Easier to Paint”
Awards and Recognition: Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition winner

Ambrose Akinmusire is a trumpet player who’s not afraid to try new things. His album “Origami Harvest” shows how he mixes different styles to create unique sounds. Akinmusire’s music often carries strong messages, using jazz to talk about important issues.

15. Thundercat

Year of Birth: 1984
Notable Works: “Drunk,” “It Is What It Is”
Awards and Recognition: Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album

Thundercat, whose real name is Stephen Bruner, brings something special to jazz bass playing. His music mixes jazz with funk, soul, and even electronic sounds. Thundercat’s album “Drunk” shows off his quirky style and impressive bass skills, making him stand out in today’s music scene.

16. Braxton Cook

Year of Birth: 1991
Notable Works: “Somewhere in Between,” “No Doubt”
Awards and Recognition: Recognized for blending jazz and R&B

Braxton Cook blends jazz and R&B freshly and excitingly. His saxophone playing is smooth and soulful, and he’s also a talented singer. Cook’s album “Somewhere in Between” shows how he can move easily between different music styles, creating a familiar and new sound.

17. Roy Hargrove

Year of Birth: 1969
Notable Works: “Habana,” “Earfood”
Awards and Recognition: Multiple Grammy awards

Roy Hargrove was a trumpet player who left a big mark on jazz. He could play many different styles, from straight-ahead jazz to Latin rhythms. Hargrove’s album “Habana” is a great example of how he mixed jazz with Cuban music. His playing was always full of energy and feeling.

18. Cory Henry

Year of Birth: 1987
Notable Works: “Art of Love,” “The Revival”
Awards and Recognition: Grammy awards with Snarky Puppy

Cory Henry is known for his skill on the keyboard, especially the organ. His music brings together jazz and gospel in a powerful way. Henry’s album “Art of Love” shows his ability to create catchy tunes while still keeping things musically interesting. His live shows are known for their high energy.

19. Makaya McCraven

Year of Birth: 1983
Notable Works: “Universal Beings,” “In the Moment”
Awards and Recognition: Recognized for innovative drumming and compositions

Makaya McCraven is a drummer and producer changing how people think about jazz. He often records live shows and reworks them in the studio, creating a unique sound. McCraven’s album “Universal Beings” is a good example of his creative music-making approach.

20. Keyon Harrold

Year of Birth: 1980
Notable Works: “The Mugician,” “Introducing Keyon Harrold”
Awards and Recognition: Recognized for his distinctive sound

Keyon Harrold is a trumpet player with a strong, clear sound. He’s played with many famous musicians and made his own albums. Harrold’s music, like his album “The Mugician,” mixes jazz with hints of hip-hop and R&B. His playing is both skillful and full of feeling.

21. Immanuel Wilkins

Year of Birth: 1997
Notable Works: “Omega”
Awards and Recognition: Recognized for fresh, emotional saxophone playing

Immanuel Wilkins is a young saxophone player quickly making a name for himself. His music is full of feeling and shows a deep understanding of jazz history. Wilkins’ album “Omega” impressed many listeners with its mix of traditional and modern sounds. His playing is both thoughtful and passionate.

22. Terrace Martin

Year of Birth: 1978
Notable Works: “Velvet Portraits,” “Dinner Party”
Awards and Recognition: Grammy nominations for his work

Terrace Martin is a multi-talented musician who plays saxophone and keyboard and produces music. He works in jazz and hip-hop, often bringing the two styles together. Martin’s album “Velvet Portraits” shows his wide range of musical skills. He’s known for creating music that feels both familiar and fresh.

23. Christian Sands

Year of Birth: 1989
Notable Works: “Facing Dragons,” “Reach”
Awards and Recognition: Grammy nominations for his performances

Christian Sands is a pianist who brings much energy to his playing. He can play many different jazz styles, from traditional to modern. Sands’ album “Facing Dragons” shows off his playing and writing skills. His performances are known for being lively and engaging.

24. Theo Croker

Year of Birth: 1985
Notable Works: “Star People Nation,” “Escape Velocity”
Awards and Recognition: Grammy nomination for “Star People Nation”

Theo Croker is a trumpet player who’s not afraid to try new things with his music. He mixes jazz with other styles like funk and hip-hop. Croker’s album “Star People Nation” is a good example of how he combines different musical ideas. His playing is both skillful and forward-thinking.

25. Sullivan Fortner

Year of Birth: 1986
Notable Works: “Moments Preserved,” “Aria”
Awards and Recognition: Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz

Sullivan Fortner is a pianist known for his thoughtful and creative playing. He’s worked with many great singers and made his own albums. Fortner’s music, like his album “Moments Preserved,” shows his ability to respect jazz traditions while adding fresh ideas.

26. Charles Lloyd

Year of Birth: 1938
Notable Works: “Passin’ Thru,” “Forest Flower”
Awards and Recognition: NEA Jazz Master

Charles Lloyd is a saxophone player with a long and respected career in jazz. His music often has a spiritual quality to it. Lloyd’s album “Passin’ Thru” shows how he can still create exciting music after many years in the business. His playing is known for being both thoughtful and free-flowing.

27. Bilal

Year of Birth: 1979
Notable Works: “In Another Life,” “Airtight’s Revenge”
Awards and Recognition: Grammy nomination for “In Another Life”

Bilal is a singer who uniquely combines jazz, soul, and R&B. His voice is very flexible, able to move from smooth to powerful. Bilal’s album “In Another Life” shows how he can create music that’s both creative and appealing. His live performances are known for their energy and passion.

28. Ben Williams

Year of Birth: 1984
Notable Works: “Coming of Age,” “State of Art”
Awards and Recognition: Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition winner

Ben Williams is a bass player and bandleader who is making his mark on modern jazz. His music often mixes jazz with R&B and hip-hop influences. Williams’ album “Coming of Age” shows his skill at playing bass and writing songs. He’s known for creating music that feels current and relevant.

29. JD Allen

Year of Birth: 1972
Notable Works: “Americana,” “Love Stone”
Awards and Recognition: Recognized for soulful tenor saxophone playing

JD Allen is a saxophone player with a strong, soulful sound. His music often has a bluesy feel to it. Allen’s album “Americana” shows how he can take familiar ideas and make them sound fresh and new. His playing is known for being both powerful and controlled.

30. Kenny Garrett

Year of Birth: 1960
Notable Works: “Songbook,” “Seeds from the Underground”
Awards and Recognition: Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Album

Kenny Garrett is a highly respected saxophone player in the jazz world. He’s known for his lively performances and his skill at writing music. Garrett’s album “Songbook” shows off his ability to create catchy tunes while still keeping things musically interesting. His playing combines technical skill with deep feeling.

Final Thoughts

The world of jazz is rich and full of life, thanks to the contributions of these 30 modern black male jazz singers.

Their talent and creativity ensure that jazz stays exciting and engaging.

These artists blend traditional jazz with new influences, captivating audiences with their unique sounds and powerful performances.

As they push the genre’s boundaries, they inspire future generations of musicians and listeners alike.

Celebrate their music and explore their work to experience the rich diversity and emotional depth of modern jazz.

By appreciating their contributions, we can ensure that jazz continues to grow and thrive for years to come.

Casey Monroe

Casey focuses on writing about singers and vocal performers. They've been in this field for about 8 years. Casey's articles look at both the technical side of singing and the stories behind the artists. They studied music performance in college and worked as a vocal coach for a while. This background helps Casey explain complex singing ideas in ways that are easy to grasp. Casey likes to talk with singers from different genres to get a wide view of the singing world. When not writing, they often go to concerts and music festivals to stay up-to-date with live performances.

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