Many fans agree that female jazz singers brought fresh energy and innovation to the genre in the 2000s. Their voices have added new depth and color to the jazz landscape.
We promise to take you on a journey through the world of contemporary female jazz vocalists, highlighting 27 standout artists who have made their mark in the new millennium.
This blog will preview the diverse talents that have shaped modern jazz, from established names to rising stars. We’ll explore their unique styles, notable albums, and the impact they’ve had on the genre.
Get ready to explore these remarkable women who keep jazz alive and evolving in the 21st century.
27 Best Female Jazz Vocalists of the 2000s
The 2000s saw a remarkable array of talented female jazz vocalists who breathed new life into the genre. This list showcases 27 of the best, highlighting their unique styles and contributions to modern jazz.
1. Norah Jones
Norah Jones is an American singer-songwriter and pianist known for her smooth blend of jazz, pop, and country. Her debut album, Come Away With Me, won multiple Grammy Awards and became a massive success.
- Birth Date: March 30, 1979
- Major Albums: Come Away With Me, Feels Like Home, Day Breaks
- Major Achievements: 9 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Come Away With Me.
2. Diana Krall
Diana Krall is a Canadian jazz pianist and singer with a distinctive contralto voice. Her music often blends jazz standards with contemporary sounds, making her one of the best-selling jazz artists of her time.
- Birth Date: November 16, 1964
- Major Albums: The Look of Love, Live in Paris, Quiet Nights
- Major Achievements: Multiple Grammy and Juno Awards, including two Grammy wins for Best Jazz Vocal Album.
3. Esperanza Spalding
Esperanza Spalding is a Grammy Award-winning jazz bassist and singer known for her innovative style, blending jazz, classical, and world music influences. She made history by becoming the first jazz artist to win the Grammy for Best New Artist.
- Birth Date: October 18, 1984
- Major Albums: Chamber Music Society, Radio Music Society, 12 Little Spells
- Major Achievements: 5 Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist (2011).
4. Madeleine Peyroux
Madeleine Peyroux is an American jazz and blues singer with a unique voice, often compared to Billie Holiday. Her style fuses jazz, blues, and folk, earning her critical acclaim and commercial success.
- Birth Date: April 18, 1974
- Major Albums: Careless Love, Half the Perfect World, The Blue Room
- Major Achievements: International success with Careless Love; collaborations with notable musicians like K.D. Lang.
5. Cécile McLorin Salvant
Cécile McLorin Salvant is a French-American jazz vocalist known for her interpretations of jazz standards and her unique ability to blend the old with the new. She is one of the leading contemporary voices in jazz.
- Birth Date: August 28, 1989
- Major Albums: For One to Love, Dreams and Daggers, Ghost Song
- Major Achievements: Multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Jazz Vocal Album.
6. Melody Gardot
Melody Gardot is an American jazz singer and songwriter whose work is inspired by her personal experiences, including recovery from a serious accident. Her music blends jazz, blues, and pop with a cinematic quality.
- Birth Date: February 2, 1985
- Major Albums: My One and Only Thrill, Currency of Man, The Absence
- Major Achievements: International critical acclaim, nominated for Grammy Awards.
7. Jane Monheit
Jane Monheit is an American jazz and pop vocalist with a stunning vocal range and a style that draws from jazz and Broadway. Her interpretations of jazz standards have earned her a dedicated following.
- Birth Date: November 3, 1977
- Major Albums: Never Never Land, The Lovers, The Dreamers, and Me, The Heart of the Matter
- Major Achievements: Grammy Award nominations, regular appearances in jazz festivals worldwide.
8. Stacey Kent
Stacey Kent is an American jazz singer with a light, melodic voice. Her music is characterized by its elegance and sophistication, and she is well known for singing in multiple languages, including English, French, and Portuguese.
- Birth Date: March 27, 1968
- Major Albums: Breakfast on the Morning Tram, Dreamer in Concert, I Know I Dream
- Major Achievements: Nominated for Grammy Award, Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters in France.
9. Lizz Wright
Lizz Wright is an American jazz and gospel singer who blends jazz with folk, R&B, and gospel. Her deep, soulful voice and introspective lyrics have earned her widespread critical acclaim.
- Birth Date: January 22, 1980
- Major Albums: Dreaming Wide Awake, Grace, The Orchard
- Major Achievements: Acclaimed for her unique vocal style, chart-topping jazz albums.
10. Nnenna Freelon
Nnenna Freelon is an American jazz singer, composer, and producer known for her strong vocals and versatility. She also advocates for the arts and has worked to promote music education.
- Birth Date: July 28, 1954
- Major Albums: Shaking Free, Soulcall, Time Traveler
- Major Achievements: 6 Grammy Award nominations, recognized for her work in jazz education.
11. Gretchen Parlato
Gretchen Parlato is an American jazz singer known for her unique vocal phrasing and improvisation skills. Her soft, intimate style has earned her widespread respect in the jazz community.
- Birth Date: February 11, 1976
- Major Albums: In a Dream, Live in NYC, Flor
- Major Achievements: Grammy Award nominations, winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition.
12. Tierney Sutton
Tierney Sutton is an American jazz singer known for her interpretations of jazz standards and ability to weave vocal and instrumental elements into cohesive musical stories.
- Birth Date: June 28, 1963
- Major Albums: On the Other Side, Desire, Paris Sessions
- Major Achievements: Multiple Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album.
13. Rene Marie
Rene Marie is an American jazz vocalist and songwriter known for her powerful voice and innovative approach to jazz. She often incorporates elements of blues and gospel into her work.
- Birth Date: November 7, 1955
- Major Albums: Vertigo, I Wanna Be Evil, Sound of Red
- Major Achievements: Grammy nominations, recipient of several prestigious jazz awards.
14. Eliane Elias
Eliane Elias is a Brazilian jazz pianist and singer known for her skillful fusion of jazz with Brazilian music, particularly bossa nova. Her smooth vocals and expert piano playing have made her stand out in jazz.
- Birth Date: March 19, 1960
- Major Albums: Made in Brazil, Dance of Time, Mirror Mirror
- Major Achievements: Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album, acclaimed worldwide for her bossa nova renditions.
15. Patricia Barber
Patricia Barber is an American jazz and blues singer-songwriter renowned for her sophisticated compositions and unique arrangements. Her music often incorporates philosophical and poetic lyrics, setting her apart in jazz.
- Birth Date: November 8, 1955
- Major Albums: Cafe Blue, Modern Cool, Smash
- Major Achievements: Multiple jazz awards, known for blending jazz with avant-garde elements.
16. Sophie Milman
Sophie Milman is a Russian-born Canadian jazz vocalist known for her sultry and elegant interpretations of jazz standards. Her international acclaim has earned her a solid place in the contemporary jazz scene.
- Birth Date: October 17, 1983
- Major Albums: Sophie Milman, Make Someone Happy, Take Love Easy
- Major Achievements: Juno Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year, multiple international tours.
17. Nikki Yanofsky
Nikki Yanofsky is a Canadian jazz-pop singer who rose to fame as a teen prodigy. Her blend of jazz, pop, and soulful vocals has made her a star in the jazz and mainstream music worlds.
- Birth Date: February 8, 1994
- Major Albums: Ella…Of Thee I Swing, Little Secret, Turn Down the Sound
- Major Achievements: Performed the anthem at the 2010 Winter Olympics, youngest artist to headline the Montreal International Jazz Festival.
18. Sara Gazarek
Sara Gazarek is an American jazz singer with a soft, melodious voice. She is known for her contemporary jazz style, which balances pop and traditional jazz elements. Her emotional depth and technical prowess have won her critical acclaim.
- Birth Date: February 26, 1982
- Major Albums: Blossom & Bee, Thirsty Ghost, Yours
- Major Achievements: Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album, regularly featured at top jazz festivals.
19. Roberta Gambarini
Roberta Gambarini is an Italian jazz singer known for her impeccable phrasing and interpretation of jazz standards. She is often praised for her exceptional vocal technique and rich, expressive voice.
- Birth Date: October 22, 1964
- Major Albums: Easy to Love, So In Love, You Are There
- Major Achievements: Grammy nominations, widely regarded as one of the finest jazz vocalists of her generation.
20. Kandace Springs
Kandace Springs is an American singer and pianist who fuses jazz, soul, and R&B in her work. Her sultry voice and sophisticated piano playing have earned her comparisons to Nina Simone and Norah Jones.
- Birth Date: January 17, 1989
- Major Albums: Soul Eyes, Indigo, The Women Who Raised Me
- Major Achievements: Featured artist on Blue Note Records, praised for her dynamic blend of jazz and R&B.
21. Dianne Reeves
Dianne Reeves is an American jazz singer celebrated for her rich, versatile voice and compelling stage presence. She is known for blending jazz with R&B and pop influences, creating a distinctive and soulful sound.
- Birth Date: October 23, 1956
- Major Albums: Good Night, and Good Luck, Beautiful Life, When You Know
- Major Achievements: 5 Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, honored as a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts.
22. Denise Donatelli
Denise Donatelli is an American jazz vocalist known for her sophisticated style and dynamic delivery. She is particularly admired for her interpretations of jazz standards and contemporary jazz pieces.
- Birth Date: August 4, 1950
- Major Albums: Soul Shadows, What Lies Within, Whistling in the Dark
- Major Achievements: 3 Grammy nominations, praised for her impeccable phrasing and vocal range.
23. Tessa Souter
Tessa Souter is a British jazz vocalist and composer known for her fusion of jazz, world, and classical music. Her ethereal voice and unique arrangements have garnered her international recognition.
- Birth Date: April 8, 1956
- Major Albums: Listen, Love, Beyond the Blue, Picture in Black and White
- Major Achievements: Critical acclaim for blending jazz with global music influences, regularly tours internationally.
24. Charenee Wade
Charenee Wade is an American jazz singer and composer known for her soulful and innovative approach to jazz. She is a leading figure in the new generation of jazz vocalists, blending traditional and contemporary sounds.
- Birth Date: December 12, 1985
- Major Albums: Offering: The Music of Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson, Love Walked In
- Major Achievements: Winner of the Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead competition, recognized for her tributes to Gil Scott-Heron.
25. Alicia Olatuja
Alicia Olatuja is an American jazz and classical vocalist known for her stunning vocal range and versatility. She first gained wide attention with her performance at President Obama’s second inauguration.
- Birth Date: May 7, 1983
- Major Albums: Intuition: Songs from the Minds of Women, Timeless
- Major Achievements: Acclaimed for her blend of jazz, classical, and gospel elements, recognized for her exceptional range.
26. Joanna Wallfisch
Joanna Wallfisch is a British-born jazz singer-songwriter known for her poetic lyrics and innovative approach to jazz. Her work often incorporates elements of folk and classical music.
- Birth Date: November 19, 1986
- Major Albums: Gardens in My Mind, Far Away from Any Place Called Home
- Major Achievements: Critical praise for her genre-blending style, tours internationally.
27. Cyrille Aimée
Cyrille Aimée is a French jazz singer known for her ability to blend gypsy jazz, swing, and Latin influences. Her improvisational skills and playful energy have made her a favorite among jazz fans.
- Birth Date: August 10, 1984
- Major Albums: It’s a Good Day, Let’s Get Lost, Move On A Sondheim Adventure
- Major Achievements: Winner of the Montreux Jazz Festival Vocal Competition, praised for her unique voice and charisma.
Conclusion
The 2000s have seen a remarkable surge in female jazz talent, with these 27 singers at the forefront. From Maria Brink’s powerful vocals to the diverse styles of other artists, they’ve breathed new life into jazz.
These women have preserved the genre’s rich traditions and pushed its boundaries, creating sounds that resonate with modern audiences. Their influence extends beyond music, inspiring future generations of artists.
As we look to the future of jazz, these vocalists remind us that the genre is ever-evolving, vibrant, and in capable hands.
Whether you’re a long-time jazz fan or new to the genre, exploring the work of these talented women will undoubtedly enrich your musical journey. Why not start by listening to one of their albums today?
