Jazz music has a rich history filled with incredible female vocalists who have left their mark on the genre.
However, navigating the vast array of talented women who have graced the jazz scene over the years can be challenging. This article has compiled an extensive list of the top 111+ female jazz singers.
This guide will help you discover jazz’s most influential and captivating voices, from iconic legends to rising stars.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just starting to explore the world of jazz, this list will be your go-to resource for finding the greatest female jazz singers and appreciating their immense contributions to the art form.
Pioneers of Jazz (1920s-1940s)
1. Bessie Smith
Known as the “Empress of the Blues,” Bessie Smith was a powerful and influential vocalist who helped shape the blues and jazz genre.
- Birthplace: Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
- Years Active: 1912-1937
- Major Albums: Empress of the Blues, The World’s Greatest Blues Singer
2. Billie Holiday
Nicknamed “Lady Day,” Billie Holiday was a groundbreaking jazz singer known for her vibrant and intimate vocal style and her ability to convey deep emotion through her performances.
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Years Active: 1933-1959
- Major Albums: Lady Sings the Blues, Billie Holiday Sings
3. Ella Fitzgerald
Often referred to as the “First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald was a virtuosic vocalist with a remarkable range and impeccable scat singing abilities, setting the standard for jazz vocalists.
- Birthplace: Newport News, Virginia, USA
- Years Active: 1934-1993
- Major Albums: Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book, Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book
4. Ethel Waters
One of the first African American women to integrate Broadway and the silver screen, Ethel Waters was a versatile entertainer and a trailblazer in jazz.
- Birthplace: Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
- Years Active: 1919-1977
- Major Albums: Heat Wave, His Eye Is on the Sparrow
5. Sarah Vaughan
With her rich, velvety voice and impressive vocal range, Sarah Vaughan was a major influence on jazz singing, earning her the nickname “Sassy.”
- Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Years Active: 1942-1990
- Major Albums: Sarah Vaughan in Hi-Fi, Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin
6. Mildred Bailey
Known as the “Queen of Swing,” Mildred Bailey was a popular jazz singer during the 1930s and 1940s, with a warm and inviting vocal style.
- Birthplace: Tekoa, Washington, USA
- Years Active: 1929-1951
- Major Albums: The Rockin’ Chair Lady, Her Greatest Performances 1929-1946
7. Mamie Smith
Mamie Smith was one of the first African American women to record the blues, paving the way for future generations of female jazz and blues singers.
- Birthplace: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Years Active: 1918-1946
- Major Albums: Crazy Blues, Songs of the Roaring Twenties
8. Adelaide Hall
An American-born jazz singer who succeeded in Europe, Adelaide Hall was known for her dynamic stage presence and powerful voice.
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Years Active: 1921-1993
- Major Albums: Underneath the Harlem Moon, Creole Love Call
9. Ivie Anderson
Best known for her work with Duke Ellington’s orchestra, Ivie Anderson was a popular jazz vocalist during the 1930s.
- Birthplace: Gilroy, California, USA
- Years Active: 1921-1946
- Major Albums: It Don’t Mean a Thing, All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm
10. Lee Morse
A versatile singer and songwriter, Lee Morse was a prominent figure in the early jazz and blues scene.
- Birthplace: Portland, Oregon, USA
- Years Active: 1920-1939
- Major Albums: Echoes of a Songbird, Flamin’ Mamie
11. Blanche Calloway
Blanche Calloway, the older sister of jazz legend Cab Calloway, was a talented bandleader and vocalist.
- Birthplace: Rochester, New York, USA
- Years Active: 1923-1944
- Major Albums: Rhythm of the Blues, Say It with a Kiss
12. Cleo Brown
One of the earliest female jazz pianists and singers, Cleo Brown, was known for her energetic performances and powerful voice.
- Birthplace: Meridian, Mississippi, USA
- Years Active: 1935-1951
- Major Albums: Living in the Afterglow, Here Comes Cleo Brown
13. Julia Lee
Julia Lee was a popular figure in the Kansas City jazz scene, a pianist and singer who often incorporated humor into her performances.
- Birthplace: Boonville, Missouri, USA
- Years Active: 1920-1958
- Major Albums: Kansas City Star, Goin’ to Chicago Blues
14. Maxine Sullivan
With her smooth, understated vocal style, Maxine Sullivan was a beloved jazz singer during the swing era.
- Birthplace: Homestead, Pennsylvania, USA
- Years Active: 1937-1987
- Major Albums: Loch Lomond, A Tribute to Andy Razaf
15. Lil Green
A blues and jazz singer with a powerful voice, Lil Green was a prominent figure in the Chicago music scene during the 1930s and 1940s.
- Birthplace: Mississippi, USA
- Years Active: 1930s-1954
- Major Albums: Romance in the Dark, Why Don’t You Do Right?
16. Edith Wilson
Edith Wilson was a versatile entertainer, singer, actress, and vaudeville performer who significantly contributed to the early jazz scene.
- Birthplace: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Years Active: 1919-1963
- Major Albums: He May Be Your Man, But He Comes to See Me Sometimes, The Hot Mamas
17. Helen Humes
Known for her bluesy vocal style, Helen Humes was a popular jazz singer who worked with Count Basie and Harry James.
- Birthplace: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Years Active: 1927-1981
- Major Albums: Swingin’ with Humes, Songs I Like to Sing!
18. Betty Roche
A talented vocalist with a strong, expressive voice, Betty Roche is best remembered for her work with Duke Ellington’s orchestra.
- Birthplace: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
- Years Active: 1941-1960
- Major Albums: Take the “A” Train, Lightly and Politely
19. Alberta Hunter
A long-time performer with a career spanning several decades, Alberta Hunter was an influential blues and jazz singer.
- Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Years Active: 1911-1984
- Major Albums: Amtrak Blues, Downhearted Blues
20. Annette Hanshaw
Annette Hanshaw was a popular jazz and pop singer in the 1920s and 1930s, known for her sweet, girlish voice.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
- Years Active: 1926-1937
- Major Albums: It Was So Beautiful, Lovable, and Sweet
21. Connee Boswell
A member of the influential Boswell Sisters, Connee Boswell was a gifted vocalist who helped popularize the jazz vocal group format.
- Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- Years Active: 1925-1956
- Major Albums: Connee Boswell Sings Irving Berlin, Martha
22. Victoria Spivey
A blues and jazz singer with a powerful voice, Victoria Spivey enjoyed a long and successful career that spanned several decades.
- Birthplace: Houston, Texas, USA
- Years Active: 1918-1976
- Major Albums: Black Snake Blues, Victoria Spivey and Her Blues
23. Trixie Smith
A contemporary of Bessie Smith (no relation), Trixie Smith was a popular blues and jazz singer during the 1920s.
- Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Years Active: 1922-1946
- Major Albums: Freight Train Blues, Trixie Smith: The Complete Recorded Works
24. Kay Starr
With her strong, distinctive voice and ability to adapt to various styles, Kay Starr was a successful jazz and pop singer.
- Birthplace: Dougherty, Oklahoma, USA
- Years Active: 1939-2016
- Major Albums: Wheel of Fortune, The Kay Starr Style
25. Georgia White
A blues and jazz singer with a powerful voice, Georgia White was a prominent figure in the Chicago music scene during the 1930s and 1940s.
- Birthplace: Sandersville, Georgia, USA
- Years Active: 1930-1949
- Major Albums: Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 1, Sings!
26. Peggy Lee
A versatile vocalist, songwriter, and actress, Peggy Lee left an indelible mark on the world of jazz with her soft, sultry voice and emotive performances.
- Birthplace: Jamestown, North Dakota, USA
- Years Active: 1941-1995
- Major Albums: Black Coffee, The Man I Love
27. Florence Mills
A talented singer, dancer, and actress, Florence Mills was a trailblazing figure in the jazz world and a major influence on later performers.
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C., USA
- Years Active: 1910-1927
- Major Albums: Harlem Jazz Queen, The Essential Florence Mills
28. Dinah Shore
Dinah Shore was a popular American singer, actress, and television personality who gained prominence in the 1940s and 1950s.
While not primarily known as a jazz singer, she did contribute to the genre through her collaborations with jazz musicians and her performances of jazz-influenced pop songs.
- Birthplace: Winchester, Tennessee, USA
- Years Active: 1938-1994
- Major Albums: Dinah Shore Sings, Moments Like These
Mid-Century Icons (1950s-1970s)
29. Dinah Washington
Known as the “Queen of the Blues,” Dinah Washington was a versatile vocalist with a powerful voice and a mastery of various styles, including jazz, blues, and R&B.
- Birthplace: Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- Years Active: 1942-1963
- Major Albums: What a Diff’rence a Day Makes!, Dinah Jams
30. Nina Simone
A talented pianist and vocalist, Nina Simone was known for her unique blend of jazz, blues, folk music, activism, and socially conscious lyrics.
- Birthplace: Tryon, North Carolina, USA
- Years Active: 1954-2003
- Major Albums: I Put a Spell on You, Pastel Blues
31. Carmen McRae
With her distinctive, smoky voice and impeccable phrasing, Carmen McRae was a beloved jazz singer who influenced countless vocalists who followed her.
- Birthplace: Harlem, New York, USA
- Years Active: 1946-1991
- Major Albums: Carmen McRae Sings Lover Man and Other Billie Holiday Classics, The Great American Songbook
32. Betty Carter
Known for her improvisational skills and unique vocal style, Betty Carter was a groundbreaking jazz singer who pushed the boundaries of the genre.
- Birthplace: Flint, Michigan, USA
- Years Active: 1948-1998
- Major Albums: The Audience with Betty Carter, Finally, Betty Carter
33. Anita O’Day
A vocalist with a cool, understated delivery, Anita O’Day was a major figure in the jazz world, known for her innovative interpretations of standards.
- Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- Years Active: 1934-2006
- Major Albums: Anita Sings the Most, Anita O’Day Swings Cole Porter with Billy May
34. Abbey Lincoln
A versatile vocalist, songwriter, and actress, Abbey Lincoln was known for her powerful, passionate performances and commitment to civil rights.
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Years Active: 1956-2010
- Major Albums: It’s Magic, Straight Ahead
35. June Christy
With her smooth, cool vocal style, June Christy was a popular jazz singer who helped define the sound of cool jazz in the 1950s.
- Birthplace: Springfield, Illinois, USA
- Years Active: 1945-1990
- Major Albums: Something Cool, The Misty Miss Christy
36. Shirley Horn
A talented pianist and vocalist, Shirley Horn was known for her intimate, understated performances and her ability to blend jazz with elements of R&B and soul.
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C., USA
- Years Active: 1959-2005
- Major Albums: Here’s to Life, I Remember Miles
37. Chris Connor
With her distinctive, breathy voice and unique phrasing, Chris Connor was a popular jazz singer during the 1950s and 1960s.
- Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- Years Active: 1949-2003
- Major Albums: Chris Connor Sings Lullabys of Birdland, Chris Craft
38. Sheila Jordan
A pioneering vocalist known for her adventurous improvisations and unique approach to scat singing, Sheila Jordan has been a major influence on generations of jazz singers.
- Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Years Active: 1950s-present
- Major Albums: Portrait of Sheila, The Crossing
39. Helen Merrill
Known for her warm, expressive voice and ability to interpret a wide range of material, Helen Merrill was a respected figure in jazz.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
- Years Active: 1954-present
- Major Albums: Helen Merrill with Clifford Brown, The Feeling is Mutual
40. Lena Horne
A trailblazing singer, actress, and civil rights activist, Lena Horne broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of African American entertainers.
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Years Active: 1933-2000
- Major Albums: Stormy Weather, Lena on the Blue Side
41. Dakota Staton
Dakota Staton was a popular jazz vocalist in the 1950s and 1960s. She had a powerful, bluesy voice and dynamic stage presence.
- Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Years Active: 1954-1990
- Major Albums: The Late, Late Show, Dakota Staton Sings Ballads and the Blues
42. Ernestine Anderson
A versatile vocalist with a strong, soulful voice, Ernestine Anderson was a respected figure in jazz, known for her interpretations of blues and jazz standards.
- Birthplace: Houston, Texas, USA
- Years Active: 1943-2016
- Major Albums: Hot Cargo, Never Make Your Move Too Soon
43. Morgana King
A vocalist with a lush, expressive voice, Morgana King was a talented interpreter of jazz standards and a respected figure in the music industry.
- Birthplace: Pleasantville, New York, USA
- Years Active: 1953-1998
- Major Albums: A Taste of Honey, With a Taste of Honey
44. Jeri Southern
Known for her intimate, understated vocal style and her skills as a pianist, Jeri Southern was a popular jazz vocalist during the 1950s.
- Birthplace: Royal, Nebraska, USA
- Years Active: 1951-1962
- Major Albums: You Better Go Now, The Southern Style
45. Keely Smith
With her cool, understated delivery and her musical partnership with Louis Prima, Keely Smith was a major figure in the jazz and pop music scenes of the 1950s.
- Birthplace: Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Years Active: 1949-2017
- Major Albums: I Wish You Love, Swingin’ Pretty
46. Irene Kral
A talented vocalist with a warm, expressive voice, Irene Kral was a respected figure in the jazz world, known for her interpretations of standards and her collaborations with top musicians.
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Years Active: 1957-1978
- Major Albums: Where Is Love?, Kral Space
47. Annie Ross
A versatile vocalist, actress, and composer, Annie Ross was known for her vocalese style and her work with the groundbreaking vocal trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.
- Birthplace: London, England, UK
- Years Active: 1952-2020
- Major Albums: Sing a Song of Basie, Sings a Handful of Songs
48. Carol Sloane
With her elegant, understated vocal style and her respect for the jazz tradition, Carol Sloane has been a respected figure in the jazz world for decades.
- Birthplace: Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Years Active: 1961-present
- Major Albums: Out of the Blue, The Songs Carmen Sang
49. Kay Thompson
A talented singer, actress, and vocal arranger, Kay Thompson was a major influence on the jazz and pop music scenes of the mid-20th century.
- Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Years Active: 1934-1995
- Major Albums: Think Pink!, Eloise
50. Frances Faye
Frances Faye was a popular jazz and cabaret singer in the 1950s and 1960s. She was known for her vivid stage presence and powerful, bluesy voice.
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Years Active: 1931-1981
- Major Albums: Caught in the Act, Frances Faye Sings Folk Songs
51. Joyce Bryant
With her stunning vocal range and dynamic stage presence, Joyce Bryant was a groundbreaking African American singer and actress who helped pave the way for future entertainers.
- Birthplace: Oakland, California, USA
- Years Active: 1946-1955
- Major Albums: After Hours, Runnin’ Wild
52. Ruth Brown
A powerful vocalist with a strong, bluesy voice, Ruth Brown was a major figure in R&B and jazz, known for her hits in the 1950s.
- Birthplace: Portsmouth, Virginia, USA
- Years Active: 1948-2006
- Major Albums: Miss Rhythm, Ruth Brown Sings
53. Della Reese
Della Reese was a versatile singer, actress, and television personality known for her powerful voice and ability to blend jazz, gospel, and pop music.
- Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Years Active: 1953-2017
- Major Albums: Melancholy Baby, Della Della Cha Cha Cha
54. Lorez Alexandria
With her warm, expressive voice and skills as an interpreter of jazz standards, Lorez Alexandria was a respected figure in the jazz world.
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Years Active: 1957-1999
- Major Albums: Deep Roots, Alexandria the Great
55. Sue Raney
A talented vocalist with a clear, expressive voice, Sue Raney was a popular jazz singer who worked with many top musicians throughout her career.
- Birthplace: McPherson, Kansas, USA
- Years Active: 1956-present
- Major Albums: When Your Lover Has Gone, Quietly There
56. Gloria Lynne
Gloria Lynne was a respected figure in the music industry. She was known for her powerful, soulful voice and ability to blend jazz with elements of R&B and pop.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
- Years Active: 1958-2013
- Major Albums: I Wish You Love, Soul Serenade
Modern Jazz Legends (1980s-2000s)
57. Diana Krall
A Grammy Award-winning Canadian jazz pianist and singer, Diana Krall is known for her smoky, sensual voice and her interpretations of jazz standards and pop songs.
- Birthplace: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
- Years Active: 1990-present
- Major Albums: When I Look in Your Eyes, The Look of Love
58. Cassandra Wilson
With her distinctive, husky voice and unique blend of jazz, blues, and folk music, Cassandra Wilson is a critically acclaimed vocalist who has pushed the boundaries of jazz singing.
- Birthplace: Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Years Active: 1985-present
- Major Albums: Blue Light ’til Dawn, New Moon Daughter
59. Dee Dee Bridgewater
A versatile vocalist and actress, Dee Dee Bridgewater is known for her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and ability to blend jazz with elements of R&B, soul, and world music.
- Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Years Active: 1970-present
- Major Albums: Dear Ella, Eleanora Fagan (1915–1959): To Billie with Love from Dee Dee Bridgewater
60. Dianne Reeves
A Grammy Award-winning vocalist with a stunning vocal range and mastery of various styles, Dianne Reeves is one of her generation’s most respected and influential jazz singers.
- Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Years Active: 1976-present
- Major Albums: Good Night, and Good Luck, Beautiful Life
61. Norah Jones
With her soft, understated voice and a blend of jazz, pop, and country music, Norah Jones has achieved massive commercial success and critical acclaim.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
- Years Active: 2001-present
- Major Albums: Come Away with Me, Feels Like Home
62. Jane Monheit
A vocalist with a lush, expressive voice and a deep respect for the jazz tradition, Jane Monheit has been a leading figure in jazz since the early 2000s.
- Birthplace: Oakdale, New York, USA
- Years Active: 2000-present
- Major Albums: Never Never Land, The Heart of the Matter
63. Karrin Allyson
Known for her warm, expressive voice and ability to interpret a wide range of material, Karrin Allyson is a critically acclaimed vocalist who has been a major presence in jazz for decades.
- Birthplace: Great Bend, Kansas, USA
- Years Active: 1992-present
- Major Albums: Ballads: Remembering John Coltrane, Round Midnight
64. Patricia Barber
Patricia Barber is a respected figure in the music industry, a talented pianist and vocalist known for her unique, poetic lyrics and innovative approach to jazz singing.
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Years Active: 1989-present
- Major Albums: Nightclub, Verse
65. Stacey Kent
With her soft, understated voice and love for the Great American Songbook, Stacey Kent is a popular jazz vocalist who has achieved international success.
- Birthplace: South Orange, New Jersey, USA
- Years Active: 1997-present
- Major Albums: Dreamer in Concert, The Boy Next Door
66. Tierney Sutton
Tierney Sutton is a respected figure in jazz, a versatile vocalist known for her intricate, rhythmically complex improvisations and her ability to interpret a wide range of material.
- Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Years Active: 1998-present
- Major Albums: After Blue, The Sting Variations
67. Roberta Gambarini
An Italian vocalist with a powerful, expressive voice and a mastery of scat singing, Roberta Gambarini has been a major presence in the jazz world since the early 2000s.
- Birthplace: Turin, Italy
- Years Active: 1998-present
- Major Albums: Easy to Love, So in Love
68. Diana Schuur
Known for her rich, soulful voice and her skills as a pianist, Diana Schuur is a Grammy Award-winning vocalist who has been a major figure in the jazz world for decades.
- Birthplace: Tacoma, Washington, USA
- Years Active: 1975-present
- Major Albums: Timeless, Diane Schuur & The Count Basie Orchestra
69. Nnenna Freelon
With her warm, expressive voice and ability to blend jazz with elements of R&B and gospel, Nnenna Freelon is a respected vocalist who has been a major presence in jazz since the 1990s.
- Birthplace: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Years Active: 1992-present
- Major Albums: Soulcall, Homefree
70. Lorraine Feather
A talented lyricist and vocalist known for her witty, sophisticated lyrics and collaborations with top jazz musicians, Lorraine Feather is a respected figure in the music industry.
- Birthplace: Manhattan, New York, USA
- Years Active: 1975-present
- Major Albums: New York City Drag, Attachments
71. Lizz Wright
With her rich, soulful voice and blend of jazz, gospel, and R&B, Lizz Wright is a critically acclaimed vocalist with a major presence in the music industry since the early 2000s.
- Birthplace: Hahira, Georgia, USA
- Years Active: 2003-present
- Major Albums: Salt, Dreaming Wide Awake
72. René Marie
Known for her powerful, expressive voice and socially conscious lyrics, René Marie is a respected vocalist who has been a major figure in jazz since the 1990s.
- Birthplace: Warrenton, Virginia, USA
- Years Active: 1999-present
- Major Albums: Vertigo, Serene Renegade
73. Claire Martin
Claire Martin is a respected figure in the international jazz scene, a British vocalist known for her warm, expressive voice and interpretations of jazz standards and contemporary songs.
- Birthplace: Wimbledon, London, UK
- Years Active: 1992-present
- Major Albums: Too Much in Love to Care, He Never Mentioned Love
74. Sara Lazarus
With her clear, expressive voice and ability to interpret a wide range of material, Sara Lazarus is a respected vocalist who has been a major presence in the French jazz scene.
- Birthplace: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
- Years Active: 1984-present
- Major Albums: Give Me the Simple Life, It’s All Right with Me
75. Ann Hampton Callaway
Ann Hampton Callaway is a respected figure in the jazz and cabaret worlds, a versatile vocalist, pianist, and composer known for her warm, expressive voice and her skills as a lyricist.
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Years Active: 1992-present
- Major Albums: Blues in the Night, At Last
76. Susannah McCorkle
Known for her intimate, understated vocal style and her interpretations of jazz standards and pop songs, Susannah McCorkle was a respected figure in the jazz world before her untimely death in 2001.
- Birthplace: Berkeley, California, USA
- Years Active: 1976-2001
- Major Albums: How Do You Keep the Music Playing?, From Bessie to Brazil
77. Eliane Elias
Eliane Elias is a respected figure in the international jazz scene, a Brazilian pianist and vocalist known for her blend of jazz, bossa nova, and samba.
- Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
- Years Active: 1981-present
- Major Albums: Made in Brazil, I Thought About You: A Tribute to Chet Baker
78. Julia Fordham
With her distinctive, smoky voice and blend of jazz, pop, and soul, British vocalist Julia Fordham has achieved commercial success and critical acclaim since the 1980s.
- Birthplace: Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK
- Years Active: 1988-present
- Major Albums: Porcelain, Concrete Love
79. Natalie Cole
The daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole achieved massive success as a pop and R&B singer before exploring her jazz roots later in her career.
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Years Active: 1956-2015
- Major Albums: Unforgettable… with Love, Take a Look
80. Ute Lemper
A German vocalist and actress known for her interpretations of cabaret songs and Kurt Weill’s music, Ute Lemper has been a major presence in international jazz and cabaret scenes since the 1980s.
- Birthplace: Münster, Germany
- Years Active: 1980-present
- Major Albums: Punishing Kiss, The World According to Kurt Weill
81. Jacqui Dankworth
The daughter of jazz legends John Dankworth and Cleo Laine, British vocalist Jacqui Dankworth has established herself as a respected figure in jazz. She is known for her warm, expressive voice and ability to interpret a wide range of material.
- Birthplace: Northampton, Northamptonshire, UK
- Years Active: 1990-present
- Major Albums: It Happens Quietly, Back to You
Contemporary Voices (2010s-Present)
82. Esperanza Spalding
A Grammy Award-winning bassist, singer, and composer, Esperanza Spalding is known for her innovative blend of jazz, R&B, and world music and her virtuosic instrumental skills.
- Birthplace: Portland, Oregon, USA
- Years Active: 2006-present
- Major Albums: Esperanza, Emily’s D+Evolution
83. Cecile McLorin Salvant
Cecile McLorin Salvant is one of her generation’s most acclaimed and respected vocalists. She has a powerful, expressive voice and a deep knowledge of jazz history.
- Birthplace: Miami, Florida, USA
- Years Active: 2010-present
- Major Albums: WomanChild, For One to Love
84. Melody Gardot
Known for her smoky, sensual voice and her blend of jazz, blues, and folk music, Melody Gardot has achieved international success and critical acclaim.
- Birthplace: New Jersey, USA
- Years Active: 2005-present
- Major Albums: My One and Only Thrill, The Absence
85. Jazzmeia Horn
A rising star in the jazz world, Jazzmeia Horn is known for her powerful, virtuosic voice and her ability to interpret a wide range of material, from jazz standards to original compositions.
- Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, USA
- Years Active: 2013-present
- Major Albums: A Social Call, Love and Liberation
86. Kandace Springs
With her warm, soulful voice and her blend of jazz, R&B, and pop, Kandace Springs has quickly established herself as a major presence in the music industry.
- Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Years Active: 2014-present
- Major Albums: Soul Eyes, Indigo
87. Cyrille Aimée
A French vocalist known for her gypsy jazz-inspired sound and charming stage presence, Cyrille Aimée has been a rising star in the international jazz scene.
- Birthplace: Fontainebleau, France
- Years Active: 2007-present
- Major Albums: It’s a Good Day, Let’s Get Lost
88. Gretchen Parlato
Known for her soft, understated voice and her innovative approach to jazz singing, Gretchen Parlato has been a major influence on a new generation of vocalists.
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Years Active: 2005-present
- Major Albums: The Lost and Found, Flor
89. Somi
With her powerful, expressive voice and blend of jazz, soul, and African music, Somi has established herself as a major presence in the international music scene.
- Birthplace: Champaign, Illinois, USA
- Years Active: 2007-present
- Major Albums: The Lagos Music Salon, Petite Afrique
90. Hailey Tuck
A young American vocalist based in Paris, Hailey Tuck is known for her vintage-inspired sound and her interpretations of jazz standards and pop songs.
- Birthplace: Austin, Texas, USA
- Years Active: 2014-present
- Major Albums: Junk, Coquette
91. Madeleine Peyroux
Madeleine Peyroux has achieved international success and critical acclaim with her distinctive, smoky voice and blend of jazz, blues, and folk music.
- Birthplace: Athens, Georgia, USA
- Years Active: 1996-present
- Major Albums: Careless Love, Anthem
92. Veronica Swift
A rising star in the jazz world, Veronica Swift is known for her powerful, expressive voice and her ability to interpret a wide range of material, from jazz standards to contemporary pop songs.
- Birthplace: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Years Active: 2010-present
- Major Albums: Confessions, This Bitter Earth
93. Bria Skonberg
A Canadian trumpeter and vocalist, Bria Skonberg is known for her vintage-inspired sound and ability to blend jazz with pop and world music elements.
- Birthplace: Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
- Years Active: 2010-present
- Major Albums: Bria, With a Twist
94. Sinne Eeg
A Danish vocalist known for her warm, expressive voice and her interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions, Sinne Eeg, has been a major presence in the European jazz scene.
- Birthplace: Lemvig, Denmark
- Years Active: 2003-present
- Major Albums: Face the Music, Dreams
95. Rachael Price
The lead vocalist of the band Lake Street Dive, Rachael Price, is known for her powerful, soulful voice and her ability to blend jazz with elements of pop, rock, and R&B.
- Birthplace: Perth, Australia
- Years Active: 2004-present
- Major Albums: Bad Self Portraits, Free Yourself Up
International Female Jazz Singers
96. Sade (UK/Nigeria)
Known for her smooth, soulful voice and her blend of jazz, soul, and R&B, Sade has achieved massive international success and critical acclaim.
- Birthplace: Ibadan, Nigeria
- Years Active: 1982-present
- Major Albums: Diamond Life, Love Deluxe
97. Hiromi (Japan)
A virtuosic pianist and composer, Hiromi is known for her energetic, genre-defying performances that blend jazz with elements of classical music and rock.
- Birthplace: Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
- Years Active: 2003-present
- Major Albums: Alive, Move
98. Youn Sun Nah (South Korea)
With her unique blend of jazz, folk, and world music and innovative use of extended vocal techniques, Youn Sun Nah has established herself as one of the most distinctive voices in the international jazz scene.
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Years Active: 1994-present
- Major Albums: Same Girl, Lento
99. Térez Montcalm (Canada)
A French-Canadian vocalist is known for her warm, expressive voice and her interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions.
- Birthplace: Quebec, Canada
- Years Active: 1985-present
- Major Albums: Voodoo, I Know I’ll Be Alright
100. Carla Bley (USA)
A renowned composer, pianist, and bandleader, Carla Bley has been a major figure in the jazz world for over six decades, known for her innovative compositions and collaborations with some of the biggest names in jazz.
- Birthplace: Oakland, California, USA
- Years Active: 1957-present
- Major Albums: Escalator Over the Hill, Carla’s Christmas Carols
101. Mina Agossi (France)
With her powerful, expressive voice and blend of jazz, blues, and African music, Mina Agossi has established herself as one of the most distinctive voices in the European jazz scene.
- Birthplace: Besançon, France
- Years Active: 1995-present
- Major Albums: Fresh, UrbAfrika
102. Aga Zaryan (Poland)
A Polish vocalist known for her warm, expressive voice and her interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions, Aga Zaryan has been a major presence in the European jazz scene.
- Birthplace: Warsaw, Poland
- Years Active: 2002-present
- Major Albums: Looking, Walking Being, Picking Up the Pieces
103. Tokunbo Akinro (Germany)
With her rich, soulful voice and blend of jazz, soul, and African music, Tokunbo Akinro has established herself as one of the most distinctive voices in the German jazz scene.
- Birthplace: Orpington, England, UK
- Years Active: 1998-present
- Major Albums: Queendom Come, Tokunbo
104. Elina Duni (Albania)
An Albanian vocalist is known for her unique blend of jazz, folk, and Balkan music and poetic, introspective lyrics.
- Birthplace: Tirana, Albania
- Years Active: 2005-present
- Major Albums: Matanë Malit, Dallëndyshe
105. Chantal Chamberland (Canada)
A French-Canadian vocalist and guitarist known for her warm, expressive voice and her interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions.
- Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Years Active: 2000-present
- Major Albums: Soirée, Temptation
106. Maria João (Portugal)
With her powerful, expressive voice and blend of jazz, fado, and world music, Maria João has established herself as one of the most distinctive voices in the Portuguese jazz scene.
- Birthplace: Lisbon, Portugal
- Years Active: 1983-present
- Major Albums: Undercovers, Fabulous Swing
107. Pauline Jean (Haiti)
A Haitian-American vocalist known for her rich, soulful voice and blend of jazz, Haitian folk music, and R&B.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
- Years Active: 2000-present
- Major Albums: A New Orleans Tribute, Nwayo
108. Silje Nergaard (Norway)
A Norwegian vocalist who is known for her warm, expressive voice and blend of jazz, pop, and Nordic folk music.
- Birthplace: Steinkjer, Norway
- Years Active: 1990-present
- Major Albums: At First Light, Nightwatch
109. Rebekka Bakken (Norway)
With her distinctive, smoky voice and a blend of jazz, folk, and pop music, Rebekka Bakken has established herself as one of Norway’s most popular vocalists.
- Birthplace: Oslo, Norway
- Years Active: 2001-present
- Major Albums: The Art of How to Fall, Morning Hours
110. Solveig Slettahjell (Norway)
A Norwegian vocalist who is known for her soft, understated voice and her interpretations of jazz standards and pop songs.
- Birthplace: Bærum, Norway
- Years Active: 2000-present
- Major Albums: Domestic Songs, Antologie
111. Rita Reys (Netherlands)
Known as the “First Lady of Dutch Jazz,” Rita Reys had a career spanning over six decades, during which she became one of the most respected and influential vocalists in the European jazz scene.
- Birthplace: Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Years Active: 1943-2013
- Major Albums: The Cool Voice of Rita Reys, Rita Reys Sings Burt Bacharach
112. Laura Fygi (Netherlands)
With her sultry, sophisticated voice and blend of jazz, pop, and Latin music, Laura Fygi has achieved international success and critical acclaim.
- Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Years Active: 1992-present
- Major Albums: Introducing Laura Fygi, The Latin Touch
113. Fay Claassen (Netherlands)
A Dutch vocalist who is known for her warm, expressive voice and ability to interpret a wide range of material, from jazz standards to pop songs and original compositions.
- Birthplace: Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Years Active: 1994-present
- Major Albums: Red, Hot and Blue, Sing!
114. Naama Gheber (Israel)
An Israeli vocalist and composer known for her unique blend of jazz, Middle Eastern music, avant-garde experimentalism, and her innovative use of extended vocal techniques.
- Birthplace: Tel Aviv, Israel
- Years Active: 2015-present
- Major Albums: Dearly Beloved, Naama
Conclusion
In conclusion, this ultimate list of 111+ female jazz singers showcases the incredible talent and diversity within the genre.
From the early pioneers to contemporary voices, these women have shaped and enriched jazz music with unique styles and interpretations. Their contributions have not only entertained audiences but also inspired generations of musicians.
As we celebrate their achievements, let us continue supporting and encouraging the next generation of female jazz artists.
By exploring the works of these remarkable singers, we can deepen our appreciation for the art form and the powerful voices that define it.
