Modern jazz singers like Sylvia Brooks are thankful to the good old days for introducing wonderful talents in the jazz scene. Even though, many compositions and songs were made, the scene-stealer will always be the different interpretations of jazz artists of these wonderful pieces. And many legendary female vocalists are highly-accomplished and highly-acclaimed even until now. In fact, jazz is alive more than ever! Chances are you can be enthralled by jazz through the take of a modern female vocalist at a live or recorded event today.
Ever wondered what legacy do the young female jazz vocalists of today inherit from their female singing predecessors? Sylvia Brooks, a prolific young jazz female vocalist, was inspired and captivated from the best jazz singers who were experts of jazz music:
1. Billie Holiday – Her singing prowess was recognized at the young age of eighteen. By the 50s, she became well-loved as a jazz icon, being fondly called ‘Lady Day’. Her voice is powerful, and her slower style is a hit with different audiences. Examples of her songs are ‘These Foolish Things’, ‘God Bless the Child’ and ‘Georgia on My Mind’.
2. Ella Fitzgerald – Probably the most-decorated and widely-acclaimed vocalist from the Jazz genre, ‘The First Lady of Song (or of Jazz)’ won thirteen Grammys and produced countless compilations and official albums to a tune of at least 40 million copies worldwide. She is well known for her unmatched pure voice. Her forte ranges from sweet jazz, ballads to scat singing and has performed with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Her memorable songs are ‘The Man I Love’, ‘How Long Has This Been Going On’, ‘How High the Moon’, and ‘Mack the Knife’.
3. Helen Forrest – At an early age, she figured in a radio singing gig. Later on, what started out as a big band jazz singer turned out to be a lucrative and successful solo career. She successfully collaborated with Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman and Harry James. One of her popular songs is ‘I Had the Craziest Dream’.
4. Sarah Vaughan – Starting as a church choir member, she was also a master of the piano. By the time her female vocalist career reached 50 years, she has been part of many big bands and ended up having a solo career of successfully interpreting jazz standards of the Great American Songbook. ‘The Divine One’ won a Grammy for her interpretation of Gershwin classics like ‘I’ve Got a Crush on You’ and ‘Embraceable You’.
5. Diana Reeves – By the age of sixteen, Diana’s love for music was the strongest, and that started her long-running jazz career. Her voice was a perfect match to any jazz instrument, most especially saxophones and violins. Her legacy is very much alive today, as a holder of 4 Grammys.
The next time you come across a female jazz vocalist, you are led into a world of soulful, playful and smooth music that is being revived and reinvented by the very improvising nature of jazz.
Sylvia Brooks, a prolific live jazz performer for different events, is also a successful studio female vocalist across America with her frequently air-played and downloaded Jazz standard interpretations and original compositions.