Jazz music has a rich history filled with talented performers, but many outstanding black female singers often don’t get the recognition they deserve.
These women have shaped the genre with their powerful voices and unique styles, yet their names aren’t always in the spotlight.
It’s time to change that.
This article will introduce you to 25 incredible black female jazz singers who have impacted the music world.
From pioneers who paved the way to modern-day artists carrying the torch, you’ll discover the diverse talents contributing to jazz’s evolution.
Get ready to explore the lives, music, and legacies of these remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on jazz.
Their stories will inspire you, and their music will move you.
List of 25 Most Breathtaking Black Female Singers
1. Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald, known as “The First Lady of Song,” was one of the most beloved jazz singers ever.
With a career spanning six decades, her voice was characterized by its purity of tone, impeccable diction, and the ability to mimic instrumental sounds.
She began her career in the 1930s with Chick Webb’s orchestra and quickly rose to fame with hits like “A-Tisket, A-Tasket.”
Fitzgerald was a master of scat singing and brought a playful elegance to her performances.
Her collaboration with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and other jazz legends solidified her status as a cornerstone of American music.
- Famous songs: “Summertime,” “A-Tisket, A-Tasket”
- Awards: 13 Grammy Awards, Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Years Active: 1934–1993
2. Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday, affectionately known as “Lady Day,” was a pioneering jazz singer whose emotional depth and distinctive voice left an indelible mark on the genre.
Known for her ability to convey deep emotion, Holiday’s music often reflected her struggles and triumphs.
Her haunting rendition of “Strange Fruit,” a powerful protest against racial injustice, remains one of her most significant contributions to music.
Holiday’s style influenced countless singers, and her legacy continues to inspire artists across genres.
- Famous songs: “Strange Fruit,” “God Bless the Child”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Years Active: 1933–1959
3. Sarah Vaughan
Sarah Vaughan, also known as “Sassy” and “The Divine One,” possessed a voice of extraordinary range and versatility.
Her ability to effortlessly navigate complex melodies and her rich, velvety tone made her one of the most respected vocalists in jazz.
Vaughan’s career took off after winning an amateur contest at the Apollo Theater, leading to performances with Earl Hines and Billy Eckstine.
Her interpretations of songs like “Misty” and “Broken-Hearted Melody” showcase her exceptional talent and artistry.
- Famous songs: “Misty,” “Broken-Hearted Melody”
- Awards: 4 Grammy Awards, NEA Jazz Masters Award
- Years Active: 1942–1990
4. Nina Simone
Nina Simone, known as “The High Priestess of Soul,” was a multifaceted artist whose work transcended jazz.
A classically trained pianist, Simone infused her music with classical, jazz, blues, and gospel elements.
Her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics made her iconic in music and the civil rights movement.
Songs like “Feeling Good” and “I Put a Spell on You” demonstrate her ability to convey profound emotion and address social issues through her music.
- Famous songs: “Feeling Good,” “I Put a Spell on You”
- Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Years Active: 1954–2003
5. Dinah Washington
Dinah Washington, often referred to as “Queen of the Blues,” was a versatile singer known for her ability to excel in jazz, blues, R&B, and pop.
Her distinctive, sassy delivery and impeccable timing made her a standout performer.
Washington’s recordings of “What a Diff’rence a Day Made” and “Mad About the Boy” are timeless classics.
Her powerful voice and emotional intensity left a lasting impact on the music world.
- Famous songs: “What a Diff’rence a Day Made,” “Mad About the Boy”
- Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame
- Years Active: 1942–1963
6. Carmen McRae
Carmen McRae was one of the most influential jazz vocalists, known for her impeccable phrasing, lyrical interpretation, and smoky voice.
She began her career as a pianist before focusing on singing, and a deep emotional connection to the material characterized her performances.
McRae’s renditions of songs like “Body and Soul” and “Round Midnight” showcase her ability to bring new dimensions to jazz standards.
- Famous songs: “Body and Soul,” “Round Midnight”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Years Active: 1940–1991
7. Betty Carter
Betty Carter was celebrated for her improvisational skills and innovative approach to jazz singing.
Known for her unique phrasing and rhythm, she often used her voice as an instrument, pushing the boundaries of jazz vocals.
Collaborations with jazz greats like Miles Davis and Ray Charles marked Carter’s career.
Her performances of “Droppin’ Things” and “My Favorite Things” exemplify her distinctive style and artistic vision.
- Famous songs: “Droppin’ Things,” “My Favorite Things”
- Awards: NEA Jazz Masters Award
- Years Active: 1948–1998
8. Rene Marie
Rene Marie is known for her unique style that blends jazz and blues, creating a sound that is innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
Her powerful voice and captivating stage presence have earned her acclaim in the jazz community.
Marie’s notable songs, such as “Black Lace Freudian Slip” and “Voice of My Beautiful Country,” reflect her ability to tackle complex themes with grace and artistry.
- Famous songs: “Black Lace Freudian Slip,” “Voice of My Beautiful Country”
- Awards: None
- Years Active: 1999–present
9. Lena Horne
Lena Horne was a trailblazing singer and actress known for her work as a civil rights activist.
Her elegant voice and stage presence made her a star in both music and film.
Horne’s renditions of “Stormy Weather” and “The Lady is a Tramp” are iconic, reflecting her versatility and charisma.
She used her platform to advocate for social justice, breaking barriers for African American performers.
- Famous songs: “Stormy Weather,” “The Lady is a Tramp”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Tony Award
- Years Active: 1933–2000
10. Shirley Horn
Shirley Horn was known for her unique style of combining jazz piano and vocals.
Her slow, intimate delivery and nuanced interpretations made her a favorite among jazz enthusiasts.
Horn’s recordings of “Here’s to Life” and “You Won’t Forget Me” are celebrated for their emotional depth and technical excellence.
Her influence as a singer and pianist continues to be felt in the jazz community.
- Famous songs: “Here’s to Life,” “You Won’t Forget Me”
- Awards: Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album
- Years Active: 1954–2005
11. Abbey Lincoln
Abbey Lincoln was known for her deep, soulful voice and her commitment to political activism through music.
Her career spanned over five decades, and she used her platform to address social and political issues, often collaborating with other jazz legends like Max Roach.
Lincoln’s music, including notable songs like “Throw It Away” and “Bird Alone,” combined her vocal prowess with powerful messages, making her an influential figure in both jazz and civil rights movements.
- Famous songs: “Throw It Away,” “Bird Alone”
- Awards: NEA Jazz Masters Award
- Years Active: 1956–2007
12. Bettye LaVette
Bettye LaVette is celebrated for her soulful renditions of classic jazz and R&B tunes.
Her career began in the early 1960s, and she has a distinctive voice and an emotional delivery that brings new life to every song she sings.
Her performances of “Let Me Down Easy” and “Love Reign O’er Me” highlight her ability to convey deep emotion and connect with audiences.
LaVette’s longevity in the music industry is a testament to her talent and resilience.
- Famous songs: “Let Me Down Easy,” “Love Reign O’er Me”
- Awards: Blues Music Award, W.C. Handy Award
- Years Active: 1962–present
13. Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack is known for her soulful voice and timeless classics, making her one of the most enduring artists in music history.
Her ability to convey deep emotion through her music has earned her widespread acclaim and numerous awards.
Flack’s notable songs, including “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” are celebrated for their lyrical beauty and heartfelt delivery, solidifying her legacy as a music icon.
- Famous songs: “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”
- Awards: 4 Grammy Awards
- Years Active: 1968–present
14. Dee Dee Bridgewater
Dee Dee Bridgewater is renowned for her modern interpretations of jazz standards and dynamic stage presence.
Her powerful voice and theatricality have earned her critical acclaim and multiple awards, including three Grammy Awards and a Tony Award.
Bridgewater’s renditions of “Afro Blue” and “Precious Thing” are noted for their creativity and emotional depth, solidifying her place as a contemporary jazz icon.
- Famous songs: “Afro Blue,” “Precious Thing”
- Awards: 3 Grammy Awards, Tony Award
- Years Active: 1970–present
15. Dianne Reeves
Dianne Reeves is celebrated for her rich, powerful voice and her prowess in improvisation.
Her ability to blend different musical styles has made her one of her generation’s most respected jazz vocalists.
Reeves’ performances of “Better Days” and “Endangered Species” are marked by their emotional intensity and technical skill, earning her five Grammy Awards throughout her illustrious career.
- Famous songs: “Better Days,” “Endangered Species”
- Awards: 5 Grammy Awards
- Years Active: 1976–present
16. Cassandra Wilson
Cassandra Wilson is known for her unique approach to jazz, blending it with elements of blues and folk.
Her deep, husky voice and innovative arrangements have garnered her critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
Wilson’s interpretations of songs like “Time After Time” and “You Move Me” highlight her ability to transform familiar tunes into something entirely new and captivating.
- Famous songs: “Time After Time,” “You Move Me”
- Awards: 2 Grammy Awards
- Years Active: 1985–present
17. Ethel Waters
Ethel Waters was a pioneering African American jazz and blues singer and actress known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence.
Her career began in the early 20th century and quickly became a major influence in music and theater.
Waters’s notable songs, such as “Stormy Weather” and “Am I Blue?,” are classics that have stood the test of time, reflecting her immense talent and impact on the industry.
- Famous songs: “Stormy Weather,” “Am I Blue?”
- Awards: Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame
- Years Active: 1917–1977
18. Dakota Staton
Dakota Staton was known for her powerful, distinctive voice and ability to convey deep emotion through her music.
Her debut album, “The Late, Late Show,” was a major success, and the title track became one of her signature songs.
Staton’s strong vocal delivery and charismatic performances made her stand out in jazz.
- Famous songs: “The Late, Late Show,” “Broadway”
- Awards: None
- Years Active: 1948–2007
19. Nnenna Freelon
Nnenna Freelon is acclaimed for her interpretations of classic jazz standards and her ability to infuse them with fresh energy.
Her warm, expressive voice has earned her multiple Grammy nominations and a reputation as one of the leading contemporary jazz vocalists.
Freelon’s renditions of “I Say a Little Prayer” and “Better Than Anything” showcase her talent for bringing new life to beloved songs.
- Famous songs: “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Better Than Anything”
- Awards: 6 Grammy Award nominations
- Years Active: 1992–present
20. Helen Merrill
Helen Merrill is known for her emotional depth and unique interpretations of jazz standards.
Her soft, breathy voice and intimate style have made her a favorite among jazz enthusiasts.
Merrill’s recordings of “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To” and “Don’t Explain” are notable for their subtlety and nuance, reflecting her ability to convey complex emotions through music.
- Famous songs: “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To,” “Don’t Explain”
- Awards: NEA Jazz Masters Award
- Years Active: 1952–present
21. Lizz Wright
Lizz Wright is known for her ability to blend jazz with gospel and folk influences, creating a unique and soulful sound.
Her deep, rich voice and passionate delivery have captivated audiences since her debut. Wright’s notable songs, such as “Dreaming Wide Awake” and “Salt,” showcase her ability to cross genres while maintaining a distinct jazz feel.
Her music often explores themes of love, spirituality, and personal growth, making her a standout artist in contemporary jazz.
- Famous songs: “Dreaming Wide Awake,” “Salt”
- Awards: None
- Years Active: 2003–present
22. Rachelle Ferrell
Rachelle Ferrell is celebrated for her wide vocal range and expressive delivery, making her one of the most dynamic voices in jazz.
She began her career in the 1990s and quickly gained a reputation for her powerful performances and emotional depth.
Ferrell’s notable songs, including “Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This” and “With Open Arms,” highlight her technical skill and ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.
- Famous songs: “Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This,” “With Open Arms”
- Awards: None
- Years Active: 1990–present
23. Esperanza Spalding
Esperanza Spalding is known for her virtuosic bass playing and vocal talents, blending jazz with classical and contemporary music elements.
She has received critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards for her innovative approach to jazz.
Spalding’s notable songs, such as “I Know You Know” and “Good Lava,” demonstrate her versatility and ability to push the boundaries of traditional jazz.
- Famous songs: “I Know You Know,” “Good Lava”
- Awards: 4 Grammy Awards
- Years Active: 2000–present
24. Etta Jones
Etta Jones was known for her distinctive voice and emotional delivery, making her a beloved figure in jazz.
Her career spanned over five decades, during which she recorded numerous albums and performed with jazz greats.
Jones’s songs, including “Don’t Go to Strangers” and “All the Way,” are celebrated for their soulful interpretations and heartfelt performances.
- Famous songs: “Don’t Go to Strangers,” “All the Way”
- Awards: Grammy Award nomination
- Years Active: 1944–2001
25. Teri Thornton
Teri Thornton was known for her soulful voice and deep emotional expression.
She gained recognition in the jazz world during the 1960s and continued to perform until her passing.
Thornton’s notable songs, such as “Somewhere in the Night” and “My Old Flame,” highlight her ability to convey profound emotion through her music, making her a respected and memorable jazz vocalist.
- Famous songs: “Somewhere in the Night,” “My Old Flame”
- Awards: None
- Years Active: 1956–2000
Conclusion
These 25 black female jazz singers have left an unforgettable mark on the music world.
Their voices, styles, and impact on jazz are truly special.
Each woman has added her unique touch to the genre, from the early pioneers to today’s stars.
Their stories show us how important it is to recognize all voices in music history.
As you’ve seen, these singers have overcome challenges and broken barriers, inspiring future generations.
Their music continues to move us, reminding us of jazz’s rich and diverse roots.
We hope this list has introduced you to new artists and deepened your appreciation for familiar ones.
Why not explore their music further? Listen to their albums, watch their performances, and share their stories.
By doing so, you’ll help keep their legacies alive and ensure these incredible voices are never forgotten.
