Date:	16-Nov-1999 20:24:13
From:	Michael Ricci (mricci@visionx.com)
	I'm sure these four would end up on most top ten lists. I also included my personal favorites from each... Frank Sinatra - "Songs for Swingin' Lovers" Nat King Cole -"The Very Thought of You" Johnny Hartman - "John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman" Mel Torme - "Lulu's Back in Town" If you have a favorite album, please list it.

 

Date:	19-Nov-1999 04:10:34
From:	Bill McCarty (hipemac@webtv.net)
	Female vocalist: Carmen McRae Male vocalist: Joe Williams 20th Century composer: Duke Ellington Pianist: Art Tatum Too many good reed players to single out even one among bari, tenor, alto and soprano. Trumpet: Maynard Ferguson. Trombone: Frank Rosolino. Acoustic bass: Ray Brown. Drummer: Louie Bellson. Percussion: Machito. Acoustic guitar: Freddie Green. Timbales: Tito Puente. Hammond B-3: Jack McDuff. Orchestra (tie) Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman. I'm humbled/grateful I saw/heard/live each of above.

 

Date:	23-Nov-1999 18:12:50
From:	Zippy
	Billie, Ella, Frank.

 

Date:	25-Nov-1999 12:28:35
From:	Wendell
	A question: is Diana Krall any good or is she just a lot of hype? I'm talking about serious jazz, not schlock/pop stuff. Who are the good contemporary singers?

 

Date:	26-Nov-1999 06:08:58
From:	Cemal Ersoy
	definitely Shirley Horn. Just listen to "I Remember Miles"; you will understand what I mean then.

 

Date:	01-Dec-1999 11:42:48
From:	Elliot Carr (ellcar537@aol.com)
	Most definitely the Great Quartet: Ella, Billie, Sarah and Carmen, but after them we MUST add Joe Williams, Shirley Horn and Etta Jones. I think Diana Krall has reached her peak, but the work of Carol Sloane continues to satisfy while she seems consistently overlooked. -EC

 

Date:	03-Dec-1999 01:30:25
From:	horn player
	imo, the greatest are Joe Williams and Sarah Vaughan. that said, we can now talk about favorites. Joe always has --and always will -- head my lsit of topo vocalists. He could (have) sing anything... Jazz, Opera, whatever he wanted. But life was not so kind back when he was starting to make his way... sassy also has that "kind" of voice. Other wonderful singers include Carmen McRae, Johnny Hartman, Arthur Prysock and "Mr. B" before you could put your hand through his vibrato. Ella had a "pure" voice. Diana Krall is a pianist who sings. Quite well. I think. She hasn't begun to reach her stride. If you think she has, I'd like to meet up with you at her Carnegie Hall concert 20 years fro

 

Date:	03-Dec-1999 10:54:57
From:	carmen gloria (cgloriaopazo@hotmail.com)
	for me, Ella and Billie were the best female singers. Iwas so sad when Mel torme died. I guess he was one of the bestmale singer, besides J. Williams of course!!.

 

Date:	03-Dec-1999 22:34:31
From:	Elvira
	Sarah Vaughn & Nancy Wilson,

 

Date:	04-Dec-1999 02:22:28
From:	Richard (dick-jan@webtv.net)
	Simple question, easy answer- Billie & Joe. Then of course it gets tougher- what about Ella (fantastic voice & flexibility), Carmen for style. Once at Tahoe, went to a Bennett & Basie's Big Band show (a fan of both)-left fully satisfied. Same night went across the street where Torme was appearing with a trio-he was even better. How did he do that? What a great performer. And of course one of my personal male singer favorites- Mark Murphy-always stretching, still. And about Diana. She held a normally raucous Sat. night crowd at Monterey Jazz Festival-- spellbound this year. She is for real.

 

Date:	05-Dec-1999 19:24:54
From:	Bruce Boldner (bruce.boldner@jcu.edu.au)
	As far as female jazz singers go, for me no-one even comes close to Sarah Vaughan. For years the only recording I had of her was a club date at Ronnie Scott's club in London UK. It was relatively late in Sarah's career and the timbre of her voice never appealed to me. Then I was fortunate enough to hear on the radio a track from her 'Live at Mr Kelly's' album. This was made much earlier in her career and the difference in the sound of her voice is incredible. I started collecting her recordings from that day onward. The 'Mr Kelly's' rerelease on CD includes a lot of tracks which couldn't make it onto the original LP. She's singing with her trio of the time (Jimmy Jones-piano,Richard Davis-bass,Roy Haynes-drums....superb. Another Sarah Vaughan CD release to get is "Sassy swings the Tivoli.' It's a 2 CD set, piano trio backing again, this time with Kirk Stewart on piano. It's a knockout! Stewart sings on one track with Sarah. The Erroll Garner number Misty. If you think Nat Cole had a smooth voice, you should listen to Stewart on this. How he never did more singing beats me. For someone entirely different, try singer Meredith D'Ambrosio. No histrionics. No spectacular voice. But she sings quietly, unemphatically with such conviction and perfect clarity, that her work is utterly compelling. Her strength is her choice of material. Little heard songs and some marvellous compositions of her own, with lyrics that could make you cry. I recommend her album 'It's Your Dance'on the Sunnyside label. Male Vocalists: One of my favourite albums is Mark Murphy's 'Bop For Kerouac.' Great lyrics, many of them taken from Kerouac's writings, and masterful singing with great feeling from Murphy, backed by some nice alto sax from Richie Cole. I understand that Murphy was mentor to singer Kurt Elling. For me, Elling is where it's at as far as male jazz singing is right now. Try his Blue Note CD 'This Time It's Love.' A very hip swinging track is 'Freddie's Yen For Jen.' Then try the last track on the album: 'She's Funny That Way.' Elling has used a former Lester Young solo for the melody line, then added lyrics of his own. They are the most compelling lyrics I have heard since Billy Strayhorn's 'Lush Life.' Bruce Boldner Townsville Australia

 

Date:	06-Dec-1999 09:04:19
From:	dan (dpatten@mtt.ca)
	ernestine anderson,joe turner,al hibbler,etta jones,eddie vinson

 

Date:	07-Dec-1999 13:55:11
From:	matt goldberg (mgoldber@ida.org)
	Best male singers, Eckstine and Hartmann. I consider Hartmann's album with Coltrane as the greatest jazz album ever--and I generally don't even like Coltrane. A lot of people liked Joe Williams, but I thought Mel Torme was more musical. Mel composed, played piano, and wrote many of his own arrangements. Best female singer, nobody was even close to Sarah. During my time she played mostly large festivals, but if you ever heard her in a small room, there was nobody even close. I thought Ella did too much scatting and forget all about the composers' words and melody. Nancy Wilson and Carmen McCrae were great too, and also Shirley Horn. I could do without Billie Holiday--she may have been emotional, but she had no voice. Sarah had both the voice and the emotion.

 

Date:	11-Jan-2000 23:14:13
From:	Don Voltmer (donvolt@rof.net)
	Mel Torme in the last 10 years when he was swingin'. Billie Holiday in the middle of her carreer. Frank Sinatra in the 60's. Nina Simone with her trio. Joe Williams with Count Basie. Ella live with Oscar. Georgie Fame - although he didn't make enough recordings.

 

Date:	21-Jan-2000 15:04:54
From:	mouthy
	Ella, most definitely

 

Date:	29-Jan-2000 20:44:32
From:	Debi eng (nylover40@hotmail.com)
	Well, Carmen, Ella, Billie, Sarah for the ladies, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole and Joe Williams for the guys. I also like current day wonders: Kurt Elling and Carol Welsman. Carol makes Diana K. move over, and Kurt makes Mark M. stand back.

 

Date:	05-Feb-2000 16:47:58
From:	JOE JAZZ CAT
	Cleo Lane is great! Diane Reeves is an outstanding talent. One of the best kept secrets around is a Milwaukee based singer named Adekola. Juli Wood, based in Chicago, sings soulfully, and also plays a mean sax. Susanna McCorkle is also super.

 

Date:	06-Feb-2000 16:49:26
From:	jim dandy (double2duce2@worldspy.net)
	How about these two ladies,(DAKOTA STATON) late,late show. Or (DINAH WASHINGTON) this bitter earth. My new discovery (MARY STALLINGS) you go to my head. traveling at the sound of jazz, BLAST OFF JIM DANDY

 

Date:	20-Feb-2000 14:54:59
From:	Alan
	Jimmy Rushing - get out your old Basie records and listen to the voice of magic!! How soon we forget.

 

Date:	25-Feb-2000 23:54:00
From:	Bob Stockton (drbobwahoo@aol.com)
	1. Sarah Vaughan (SARAH, EmArcy, 1955, with Clifford Brown) (Linger Awhile, Rerelease, Pablo) 2. Joe williams (Any Basie Album)

 

Date:	14-Mar-2000 09:32:21
From:	Matt (patstewcht@aol.com)
	if anybody has any info on jazz during the period from 1870-1920 please e-mail at patstewcht@aol.com or meps33@yahoo.com

 

Date:	16-Mar-2000 19:11:14
From:	Brian N (doriangreen@hotmail.com)
	BEST JAZZ SINGERS: Having been listening and singing for the last twenty years for female jazz vocalists my vote is for the following in no particular order - you can enjoy them for some of the same and different reasons. Billie Holiday Sarah Vaughan Dinah Washington Carol Sloane Ella Fitzgerald For the men of jazz I am less committed. Nat King Cole Frank Sinatra Tony Bennet Joe Williams Personally I feel the women have dominated this art form from the beginning to the present. Brian

 

Date:	17-Mar-2000 03:55:41
From:	Beth Heath (lazettem@aol.com)
	Sinatra was contemporary, he lived for the popular audience, he may have started out with the jazz band's but he went so far from them..... also Nat King Cole one of my all time favorites, was contemporary also, he lived to please the audience and to cross over to all nationalities and at this he was very successful, he started out as a preachers son with very little jazz overtones, he then went strickly to popular standards... Bennett yes he stayed jazzy but also likes the popular appeal of the audience and does sing to them.

 

Date:	23-Mar-2000 08:39:25
From:	catherine
	billie, ella, and the always fabulous etta james, who was not mentioned previously! end of story.

 

Date:	24-Mar-2000 20:28:28
From:	richard dee
	This kinda raises the question "What is a Jazz singer": at his best," 'Ol Blue-eyes " was awsome;sound,phrasing, delivery-he had it all.Was he a Jazz singer?(who cares,just listen and enjoy!).Guess that Mr. Chet is something of an acquired taste (but then so is Billie, and I love both); can't be denied his scatting was tops-all the others got their line down,and pretty well stuck with it-Chet winged it every time.To me,best vocal record that I keep coming back to is "Boss of the Blues"by Big Joe Turner.Is it Jazz?; again,who cares.Female singers? Gotta be Billie and Sassy.

 

Date:	20-Apr-2000 18:39:26
From:	LittlePan (LittlePan1)
	there are so many greats, but i think as far as excellent jazz musicianship is concerned, the really great singers to me are Betty Carter and Mark Murphy

 

Date:	09-May-2000 14:33:45
From:	Ron (rjbloom@hotmail.com)
	Ella all the way. The purity of her voice and tone is simply wonderful. Get First Lady of Song, or Ella & Basie, or Compact Jazz. I also like Carmen MacRae.

 

Date:	22-May-2000 19:18:32
From:	J. Díaz (RASPALL@teleline.es)
	Helen Merril¡¡¡ Can anyone else thrill you as much as her??? New voices...mmmm...Meredith d'Ambrosio sounds so good.

 

Date:	05-Jun-2000 16:16:01
From:	Jessica
	I can't believe that no one gave Abbey Lincoln any "props"! In addition to being the best singer out here she is a wonderful composer/arranger. Don't get me wrong, I love Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Joe Williams, Eddie Jefferson, Betty Carter, etc. but Abbey is the quintessential artist!

 

Date:	19-Jul-2000 23:13:29
From:	peter
	Nobody, but nobody has mentioned the great but under-rated Ernestine Anderson and I still thrill to the voice of June Christy. Peter,Auckland, New Zealand

 

Date:	26-Aug-2000 19:31:17
From:	Sal
	I like Diana Krall a whole lot but Rebecca Kilgore is just as good, better in some ways. She's more agile and more imaginative, though she's kind of a "girlie girl." Meaning she's sort of like your cute girlfriend, not the one who you wake up in the middle of the night bothered about. Like Diana. Anyway, Rebecca Kilgore is an excellent singer with a virtuoso sense of timing and rhythm. You'll be impressed.

 

Date:	25-Sep-2000 03:59:50
From:	malcolm king (mking@cray.com)
	I was disappointed to see no mention of Dakota Staten. I am searching,so far without success, to find recordings of her.Any help in my search would be greatly appreciated. Malcolm King.

 

Date:	06-Oct-2000 09:05:59
From:	Nick Dragos (ndragos@csus.edu)
	Comment.... I host a radio program on FM 88.9, KXJZ, Sacramento called "Sacramento Classic Jazz" (Sunday nights, 9pm-Midnight)...this coming Sunday, Oct. 8th, my program will be "The Ladies Sing Everything, Not Just The Blues", and I'll be featuring many of the great ladies of jazz singing. It might be politically incorrect for me to pick my favorites, but I'm gonna do it anyway... Anything by Billie Holiday, especially her 30's & 40's cuts when her voice hadn't severely weakened; the later Ella Fitzgerald (say from the early 50's on into the 70's). I saw an earlier comment about Rebecca Kilgore....outstanding vocalist and a true musician in all aspects....professional and wonderful....check out "I Told Ya I Love Ya (Now Get Out) on her new self-produced CD "Moments Like This" (Moonburn Recordings, P.O. Box 13142, Portland, Oregon 97213). Another gem of a vocalist here in Sacramento is Claudette Stone, who performs with Dick Johnson's Mardi Gras Jazz Band. She has several excellent CDs of standards, and has a rich, full voice with emotion and joy of song....check her stuff out at www.mardigrasband.com...her redition of "When October Goes" is pure world-class (Abe Most called it "absolutely beautiful"...and he knows from beautiful!). Actually, I could go on and on, but I'll leave it for now...

 

Date:	07-Oct-2000 13:59:17
From:	eddie mcgonigle (twocor517uk@yahoo.co.uk)
	eddie from scotland:have you ever heard della reese do her version of "detour ahead"? its amazing!i believe she belongs up there with the greats.who else could record a song written for a frog and give so much depth and feeling like you end up just knowing she's talking about what it's like being a black person.i'm talking about della's knockout "being green".wow,what a singer!

 

Date:	04-Nov-2000 21:12:28
From:	Sam
	Jelly Roll Morton - I'm serious. Listen to his great last recordings done during the late 1930's. I had no idea.

 

Date:	05-Nov-2000 12:49:45
From:	bronwyn delaney. (bronwynndelaney@tesco.net.)
	tonybennet frank sanatra.and please can you tell me the fan cub. thank you bronwyn delaney.

 

Date:	06-Nov-2000 14:18:00
From:	Amy (satou82@hotmail.com)
	For the females,definitely Billy Holiday, Bessie Smith, Ella fitzerald and Sarah Vanghan. And the males, Of course Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole

 

Date:	13-Nov-2000 13:39:38
From:	Gilles
	I heard female jazz singers on the radio about 20 years ago and loved them, but never got to know their names. They had very warm voices and sang slow, warm languorous melodies. Who might they have been (considering that what I heard was either a live concert, or a record of a singer who might have been dead for years!). Thanks for your answers.

 

Date:	14-Nov-2000 09:06:13
From:	Eliot
	Elling

 

Date:	17-Nov-2000 14:03:43
From:	Seeking Jazz (animalan@yahoo.com)
	I can see this site has alot of people who loves jazz and i think that's pretty awesome. Ok, what i need to know now is what are the greatest jazz song around, i like songs like Diana Krall, smoothing ones, i like songs which makes you wanna just melt. Any tips would be great. Thanks. Email me for the tips if you want.

 

Date:	04-Jan-2001 21:34:20
From:	WGunn (skgunn44@hotmail.com)
	Keely Smith

 

Date:	19-Jan-2001 17:49:44
From:	Gonzalo (gonzramos@elipseco.com)
	Diane Schuur - Love Walked In (Album) Excellent singer.

 

Date:	31-Jan-2001 17:19:36
From:	ollie (odge@btinternet.com)
	Hey, I'm not really into Jazz much at all, but the other day I heard a cd at someones house that blew me away and I'd like someone to help me work out what it was. It was a female singer, and just a standard band, no strings or orchestra. It was very well produced so I know it wasn't early jazz. The girl had a really smooth voice and all the songs on this cd were very slow, smooth songs. Now for the tough bit, the only lyrics to any of the songs that I can remember was one song that was about dancing together and how "all the other couples would stare at us". Please please help me with this. I have listened to a few examples of Ella, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah and Carol Sloane, but I don't think it was any of them. Many thanks Ollie Woodall odge@btinternet.com

 

Date:	31-Jan-2001 18:24:24
From:	Ollie
	Ah, further to my last post, I've just heard some Diane Krall and if it's not her, it'll do! Man, what a voice!! What do you Jazz cats think?

 

Date:	02-Feb-2001 18:52:45
From:	fee
	ella, billie, and well... nina simone.

 

Date:	02-Feb-2001 18:55:36
From:	fee
	oh and me... look out for me girls! that also includes etta james.

 

Date:	20-Feb-2001 16:55:53
From:	Andreas
	How about a word for the great vocalese singers: Jon Hendricks King Pleasure Eddie Jefferson

 

Date:	23-Feb-2001 04:57:02
From:	Jakob Henrikson (jakob.henrikson@alfa.telenordia.se)
	Frank (late 50s) Ella (always) runners up: Billie H, Chet B, Tony B, Nat King Cole...

 

Date:	07-Mar-2001 18:25:24
From:	harvey wolf (harveywolf@webtv.net)
	looking for a singer. the only thing i hear about her her front teeth were knocked out. the they called her sippy. maybe sippy williams, not sure about that. not a new singer, billy's tme frame. i hear she was great. all help thanks

 

Date:	10-Mar-2001 02:33:35
From:	Alex (minor2000@mail.ru)
	Well, you know, it's obvious that most of the people mentioned above are from the past and this is logical - the golden years of (vocal) jazz ARE in the past. And not because we don't have beautiful voices. I think all we need in jazz now it's the new, fresh , talented, devoted composers and lyricists. All we need is the new great songs. It's already not only boring but pathetic to hear the 567th version of "Autmn Leaves" or "My funny Valentine". About the best singers in general. I agree with the guy who wrote about female power in vocal jazz. Itr's normal, because a female artist can use a larger range of emotions that a male one. For me a man is more valuable in bed (sorry for personal fagotocampy comment). I like Tony Bennet though. And I don't like Sinatra. Kurt Elling is a great singer but he's more into firework than into expression (because he's young, I guess). Among females there is no number one because they are (=were) all different. I'll just have to repeat their names, because they are really great. Sarah, Ella, late Billie, KarmenMcRae, Dinah Washington, Hadda Brooks, KoKo, late Rosemary Clooney etc.....

 

Date:	10-Mar-2001 13:22:04
From:	jetchris (jetchris@ignmail.com)
	Male vocalist: Joe Williams -- This beautiful man had range, power, softness, and a special ability to cast a spell on any audience. He just pulled you in, took you to magical places you never dreamed possible, all with a smile on your face and a tear in your eye. Female vocalist: Billie Holiday -- She could tell a story with such emotion and grace. She used her voice as if it she knew it was a unique instrument that no one else had ever heard or could ever play.

 

Date:	14-Mar-2001 14:55:00
From:	Claire Miller (claire@millerstale.co.uk)
	Here in London we are partial to Ian Shaw and Melanie Saint Cyr

 

Date:	19-Mar-2001 21:36:20
From:	Barbara Steptoe
	Billie Holliday (duh), Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Mark Murphy (especially on his Brasil Song and Nat King Cole albums), Mel Torme, Johnny Hartman, Herb Jeffries, Chris Connor, The Double Six of Paris, Lambert/Hendricks/Ross, Chet Baker, Nancy Wilson, Elis Regina, Ivan Lins, Astrid Gilberto, Chico Buarque, Carmen Miranda (yes, she could swing too), The Swingle Singers, DeeDee Bridgewater, June Christie, Shirley Horn, Carmen MacRae -- to name a few.

 

Date:	19-Mar-2001 21:38:18
From:	Barbara Steptoe
	Please add Hinda Hoffmann to my previous list. She is quite fabulous, and contemporary! and Kurt Elling.

 

Date:	19-Mar-2001 21:38:49
From:	Barbara Steptoe
	Billie Holliday (duh), Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Mark Murphy (especially on his Brasil Song and Nat King Cole albums), Mel Torme, Johnny Hartman, Herb Jeffries, Chris Connor, The Double Six of Paris, Lambert/Hendricks/Ross, Chet Baker, Nancy Wilson, Elis Regina, Ivan Lins, Astrid Gilberto, Chico Buarque, Carmen Miranda (yes, she could swing too), The Swingle Singers, DeeDee Bridgewater, June Christie, Shirley Horn, Carmen MacRae -- to name a few.

 

Date:	19-Mar-2001 21:40:13
From:	Barbara Steptoe
	Billie Holliday (duh), Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Mark Murphy (especially on his Brasil Song and Nat King Cole albums), Mel Torme, Johnny Hartman, Herb Jeffries, Chris Connor, The Double Six of Paris, Lambert/Hendricks/Ross, Chet Baker, Nancy Wilson, Elis Regina, Ivan Lins, Astrid Gilberto, Chico Buarque, Carmen Miranda (yes, she could swing too), The Swingle Singers, DeeDee Bridgewater, June Christie, Shirley Horn, Carmen MacRae -- to name a few.

 

Date:	09-May-2001 18:36:11
From:	John White
	In my opinion,without a doubt one of the most outstanding voices of our time is Keely Smith.Her crystal clear voice unique phrasing and one of a kind personality set her apart.Often overlooked,she is the best of the best. For those who are not familiar with her work I suggest you give her a listen. I promise you will fall in love with her voice. I am surprised her name has not been mentioned on this board before. I hope Keely Smith decides to do more appearances. She is an original.

 

Date:	14-May-2001 20:09:03
From:	mark hughes (markhughes26@Hotmail.com)
	Christopher reeve with stephen hawkins on tambourine and joey deacon on Sax

 

Date:	21-May-2001 17:36:19
From:	.
	Billie Holliday Ella Fitzgerald Anthony Benedetto Jimmy Scott Jeri Southern

 

Date:	30-May-2001 13:51:44
From:	Patrick Monteleone (pasqualio@aol.com)
	If you could ask any of the singers mentioned in this thread who the greatest (male) singer of the 20th Century was, they would instatntly acknowledge Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong. Everyone else descends from them. I would also add Cliff Edwards (known as "Ukulele Ike"), because he was influential on Bing. Cliff Edwards was one of the first white popular/jazz singers who did not sing in a faux operatic style. Of course, Frank Sinatra and Nat Cole are right up there. As for female singers, I have to agree about the preeminance of Ella, Billie, Sarah, and Carmen (Carmen McRae is my personal favorite--her phrasing was impeccable!). We might also mention Mildred Bailey, because she influenced Ella. Lee Wiley was also wonderful.

 

Date:	06-Jun-2001 00:37:45
From:	Maria Burks (songbyrdmb@earthlink.net)
	I've been a jazz fn most of my life. I was a tot when my brothers would listen to artists like Stan Kenton, Julie Christy, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme etc. My favorite of course was Ella. I started singing jazz when I was 18. It's my favorite kind of music. I would like to know if anyone out there knows if Diane Krall is related to Irene Krall. Irene was very popular in the 50's. I'd also like to know whate ever happened to her and her brother Roy. He was very good too. My favorite jazz group has been the Oscar Peterson Trio. I also loved Milt Jackson on Vibes.

 

Date:	06-Jun-2001 12:20:42
From:	songstress
	Hi! Diana Krall and Irene Kral are not related. Irene unfortunately passed away along time ago...in the '70's I think. Her brother went on to sing with Jackie Cain, who is his wife, I believe and they have a hip vocal duo called Jackie and Roy. I like Diana Krall more and more, she's really starting to come into her own. Of course, she's being given the opportunity to improve with all of the performing that's she's been doing, but hey...at least someone is! My favorite vocalists include: Abbey Lincoln Andy Bey Patricia Barber Anita O'Day Ella, Billie, Sarah, Carmen Frank Sinatra Peggy Lee Kurt Elling Johnny Hartman Cleo Laine Chet Baker Smith Dobson Mary Stallings June Christy Jon Hendricks Bobby McFerrin Rhiannon Chris Conner Karrin Allyson Kendra Shank Jay Clayton Sheila Jordan Nancy King Etta James And many others...

 

Date:	20-Jun-2001 14:42:48
From:	Action (ActionWorldTour@yahoo.fr)
	Female vocalist: Sarah Vaughn, Shirley Horn, Nina Simone, Abbey Lincoln, Betty Carter, Nancy Wilson, and Ella Fitzgerald. Male vocalist: Joe Williams, Freddy Cole, Leon Thomas, Johnny Hartman, Jimmy Scott, George Benson, and Andy Bey.

 

Date:	22-Jun-2001 11:35:15
From:	peter anslow (anslowpeter@hotmail.com)
	My favourite singers include Billie Holiday, Helen Forrest Peggy Lee, Ivie Anderson and early Ella Fitzgerald Male singers include Jack Teagarden, Chet Baker, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.

 

Date:	23-Jun-2001 17:47:42
From:	matzel
	Kurt Elling is really great. But what was he without Mark Murphy in mind? Mark is still the greatest, I think. I also like Sinatra, but regarding musicianship he's far behind the mentioned. I wonder that noone mentioned Al Jarreau. His few real Jazz-recordings are really great. Have you heard his approach to Zawinul's "a remark you made" called "something you said" on his latest album? It's marvellous.

 

Date:	23-Jun-2001 18:19:21
From:	jazzgramma
	Diane Schuur! Everyone keeps repeating the great names of the past,and I have seen most of them and agree,but Diane is out there now and you can see her. In the meantime I recommend "In Tribute". Great album.

 

Date:	28-Jun-2001 11:30:19
From:	Fernanda Prado (pra_telo@hotmail.com)
	I love Tony Bennet, and Ella F. , and well, let me tell you that Diana Krall has a great voice , I just went to a jazz festival where she sang, and i must tell you that she posses a great vocal style !

 

Date:	15-Jul-2001 17:26:33
From:	Eric Rowe (rowie2@bigpond.com.au)
	Billie wins hands down...Barney Kessel is a true musician

 

Date:	24-Jul-2001 18:15:53
From:	sandro damiani - Italy/Croatia (sashada@tin.it)
	Billie Holiday and Billy Eckstine

 

Date:	25-Jul-2001 23:42:04
From:	Eric Brogger (egrandon@sonic.net)
	The best female white jazz singer is Chris Conner. The best black female singer is Sassy, sarah vaugh

 

Date:	03-Aug-2001 12:46:36
From:	Dewa (lugas@satumail.com)
	Billie Holliday Ella Fitzgerald Abbey Lincoln Rachelle Ferrell

 

Date:	09-Aug-2001 20:07:02
From:	trish MacPherson (trishMacPherson@hotmail.com)
	here in Canada, we are spoiled as we have sooo many first rate musicians.... i couldn`t begin to pick just one singer.... but we do have a great singer by the name of rannee Lee out of Montreal who could give any singer a good run for money.... i must admit that my all time favorite female jazz singer is anita o`day, especially when she performed with Barney kessell..... for groups , i love the Manhatten transfer.... what do you know about the group "the New York voices"?

 

Date:	19-Aug-2001 02:02:40
From:	Lanie (n/a)
	Ella Fitzgerald, hands down, no arguments, no room for discussion. The question is who comes in second? I would put Sarah Vaughn right up there with Diane Schurr as somebody to reckon with, Nancy Wilson and Cleo Lane are right up there too. Diane Krall is good, not great. What is great is her piano playing and ability to sing a song with a very straight delivery and still sound good. Kudos to all of them.

 

Date:	19-Aug-2001 16:55:37
From:	tamara from bc CANADA
	WITH OUT ELLA, SARA,BETTY,CARMEN,THE VOCALISTS OF THIS TIME .INCLUDING FRANK,TONY,J.HENDRICKS WE WOULD HAVE NO GREAT EXAMPLES TO PULL FROM.SINGERS OF TODAY ARE SOMETIMES SEEN TO BE PRODUCTS OF THE PREVIOUS GENERATION.WELL,THIS IS HOW WE HELP JAZZ CONTINUE.PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS LIKE ELLA FOR HER CONTRIBUTIONS.NO ONE WILL BE LIKE HER BUT SOMEONE WILL BE COMPARED TO HER.EG.DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER.BUT SHE WILL FOREVER BE ON TOP.DON'T FORGET BILLIE!

 

Date:	05-Sep-2001 11:32:25
From:	Thurston Ravish
	Remember, the key word here is "JAZZ" vocalists. I don't think most of the respondents kept that in mind when naming all-time great male and female jazz vocalists. Without a doubt, the best male jazz vocalist are: Joe Williams, Mark Murphy, Mel Torme, Johnny Hartman, and Frank Sinatra. The best female vocalists of all time are: Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter, Carmen McCrae, June Christie, and Laverne Butler. Unfortunately, there are no really "great " contemporary jazz vocalist today, unless you wish to consider some of the works of Rachelle Ferrell and Bobby McFerren. You people have to be joking when you mention Diana Krall in the same sentence with vocalists like Ella, Sarah, Carmen, Betty, and June! Diana Krall is an excellent pianist, who does a pretty good job of singing the great old jazz tunes that everyone loves, and who happens to be fortunate enough to have great jazz musicians playing with her. No harm meant, but almost anyone blessed with the ability to carry a pretty good tune, would sound pretty good, "recorded" or "live," with just the right rhythm section behind them. Let's be truthful, the lady is gorgeous and her piano playing is very good, but a singer she is not and it won't get any better. Folks, she is NOT a singer. If you like her, fine! But don't pretend that she is as good as the "real" great ladies of jazz. Jazz is an honest music...let's try to always be honest when we discuss it in any form!!

 

Date:	05-Sep-2001 15:11:35
From:	Jerry
	I say right on to Thurston Ravish's comments. But I wonder if he omitted Billie Holiday by mistake. Billie Holiday, without a doubt, is perhaps the greatest jazz songstress who ever lived.

 

Date:	06-Sep-2001 00:39:40
From:	Shady
	As a kid growing up in Newark,N.J.----Sarah Vaugh would often pass my house (Barclay St.) and in my childish thoughts I always wondered "What song is she singing today?" Sarah Vaugh----Soul with Octaves. Find me another Sarah. You can't. Shady

 

Date:	06-Sep-2001 13:28:08
From:	Thurston Ravish
	To Jerry, who commented on my September 5th posting...you're absolutely right; I did neglect to mention Billie Holiday. Her name should have been listed first. Thanks for reading my comments without misinterpretting my intent and thanks for the correction, Buddy. I stand corrected.

 

Date:	08-Sep-2001 23:00:10
From:	Shady
	Frank Sinatra was not a jazz singer. Diana Krall plays piano----put her next to Nina and you will hear the difference. Shady

 

Date:	14-Sep-2001 16:21:10
From:	Jon
	I think Diana Krall is very good. She may not be an Ella, Sarah, or Billie but you're doing pretty good if you can hold your own with the rest. Competition is for horse races, the great painter Edgar Degas said. I try to keep that in mind when people discuss musicians, singers, and other artists.

 

Date:	17-Sep-2001 20:52:08
From:	jerry ellis (jerryelpelon@mindspring.om)
	A couple of names i didnt see, but might have missed: June Christy, Anita o'Day, Randy Crawford, Carmen McCrae...As an aside, have any of you jazz enthusiasts noticed a lack of acknowledgement of Stan Kenton's contribution to jazz, and the number of artists he introduced and promoted? I don't understand it?

 

Date:	17-Sep-2001 20:52:16
From:	jerry ellis (jerryelpelon@mindspring.om)
	A couple of names i didnt see, but might have missed: June Christy, Anita o'Day, Randy Crawford, Carmen McCrae...As an aside, have any of you jazz enthusiasts noticed a lack of acknowledgement of Stan Kenton's contribution to jazz, and the number of artists he introduced and promoted? I don't understand it?

 

Date:	21-Sep-2001 14:48:13
From:	Raven
	To Jon, who responded on September 14th...you and Degas are right on the mark----competition should be left to the "races." And you are right again in implying that jazz singers should not be held up for competition. That's unfair to say the least because this wonderful art form gives talented people the opportunity to express themselves in unique ways for our enjoyment. In that light, it is "ALL GOOD!" But my dear fellow, the fact remains that Diana Krall is not a "jazz singer" or any other kind of SINGER for that matter. And if "holding her own" means that she is still producing albums, still touring, and being widely played on the airways, then that can be explained in a few words, "exceptional piano skills and damned good promotion, which obviously capitalizes on the fact that Diana does not fit the typical description of what the public envisions as a "jazz singer." That, within itself, makes her an anomaly---a good one---but nonetheless, an anomaly. And as you know, there's nothing we Americans carry on over more than people and situations that are "anomalous."

 

Date:	29-Sep-2001 16:06:30
From:	Kevin (Ktmdog@aol.com)
	Sarah had the most gifted instrument of the jazz singers I have heard. But Billie and Frank were the ones I believed the most and the ones who touch me the mos

 

Date:	06-Oct-2001 11:52:59
From:	Jack Rubinger (jrubinger@home.com)
	Some of the unsung and great jazz singers: Sheila Jordan -- great feeling, a true improviser Billie Holiday -- also great feeling, totally original Tony Bennett -- projects love and emotion in everything he does Johnny Hartman -- cool and deep Louis Armstrong -- vocal and trumpet -- the same feeling, the same virtuosity

 

Date:	10-Oct-2001 15:12:25
From:	Don
	Unsung?? Maybe Jordon. The others could hardly be bigger names.

 

Date:	10-Oct-2001 15:15:57
From:	Jon
	Raven: you're certainly entitled to your opinion about Diana Krall - that she's not a jazz singer. It's an odd opinion, but hey life is too short to be arguing. Best wishes.

 

Date:	10-Oct-2001 16:49:49
From:	Sasha Riley
	Male Jazz Crooner, Johnny Hartman Female Jazz Vocalist, LaVerne Butler WITHOUT A DOUBT!

 

Date:	10-Oct-2001 17:34:43
From:	Adi
	Refering to Raven's comment: When someone says something like "my dear fellow" it's usually a sign that there's another agenda afoot. Since no reasons are stated why Diana Krall is "not" a jazz singer or a singer at all (!), then perhaps the green monster has risen once again. Jealousy is a horrible human trait. After all Diana sings well, she's popular, she attracts first rate accompanists, and she looks great on her album covers. Almost enough to drive a saint green with envy.

 

Date:	11-Oct-2001 15:46:10
From:	Raven
	To: Adi First: You obviously don't read well or you don't read with understanding. All of the attributes you gave Ms. Krall, I gave in my commentary. All , that is, except "she sings well." Secondly: The greeting, "My dear fellow," has no meaning other than it's a simple greeting, much the same as "Dear Jon," Thirdly: I assure you, I have no reason to be envious of Ms. Krall; I am not a singer (just a person with a good pair of ears) and I am not female nor am I gay, desirous of being female. Perhaps the name "Raven" threw you off. Raven happens to be my surname. I happen to think the lady is gorgeous also and I mentioned that fact in my commentary. Did you somehow miss that part. Fourth and Final: Be gracious like Jon, the person to whom I directed my commentary. Unlike you, he took my commentary for just what it was, "my opinion," something everyone is entitled to have. And "my dear fellow, " other agenda-ness does not have to be attached to an opinion. I'm sorry you took my commentary so personally instead of simply using this page for it's purpose...to list and make comments about persons we considered good and great jazz singers, which Ms. Krall is not. No list of reasons is necessary; I've got great ears. If you think she is, that's your opinion, which you are entitled to.

 

Date:	11-Oct-2001 16:01:33
From:	Raven
	By the way, Adi, who are your favorites besides the obvious...Ms. Krall? Mine are: Females: Diane Shure, Diane Reeves & Nina Simone Males: Harry Connick, Jr., Joe Williams, & Nat Cole

 

Date:	11-Oct-2001 21:05:43
From:	Adi
	I won't comment on your essay except to say - Harry Connick Jr. - "I've got great ears." Oh please . . .

 

Date:	12-Oct-2001 16:12:43
From:	Jeri N. (jerin@hotmail.com)
	Having recently had a sex change operation, jealousy takes strange twists and turns, sometimes forshadowing changes that no one can predict. Raven, I would periodically check and make sure that it's still there. Stranger things have happened. (Harry Connick Jr ?) I too think Diana's "gorgeous."

 

Date:	12-Oct-2001 19:09:42
From:	Steven Jacobs in Philly
	If I was not one to be overly suspicious, I'd swear that the two or three persons busting Raven's chops about her take on Dinana Krall's vocals, were closely affiliated with her. Otherwise....why all the emotion over an obviously attractive young lady with a little better than a passable voice. Beats the hell out of me!!!! Can we all just get back to naming jazz singers we "BELIEVE" to be the greatest??????

 

Date:	12-Oct-2001 20:20:50
From:	Adi
	Steven: yes, you are more than a little over suspicious (too much time in the big city?). Anyway, I said she sang "well" which is a long way from greatness. She is at least a singer though, except in the ears of the truly irrational. And Harry Connick? Greatness? Save us all . . .

 

Date:	15-Oct-2001 11:44:55
From:	Pearl Lesser
	Betty Carter was by far one of the greatest jazz vocalists to ever live. She was a true innovator. There are a lot of good singers, both male and female. But all of them could take lessons from singers such as the late, great Betty Carter and Mel Torme. I truly wish that at least one would emerge as a true innovator.

 

Date:	15-Oct-2001 11:57:28
From:	Dexter
	ORIGINATORS: JOE WILLIAMS, LAVERNE BUTLER, BETTY CARTER, ELLA FITZGERALD, SARAH VAUGHN, JUNE CHRISTY, CLEO LANE, CARMEN MCRAE, MARK MURPHY, JOHNNY HARTMAN CONTEMPORARIES: DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER, CASSANDRA WILSON, VANESSA REUBEN, KEVIN MAHOGANEY, DIANE SCHURR, NAT COLE'S BROTHER (Can't think of his given name) and yes, Adi...HARRY CONNICK, JR.

 

Date:	16-Oct-2001 17:57:53
From:	Becca (Lambuth)
	GREATEST....no room for "mediocrity" on this page! Gotta be: BILLIE HOLIDAY (heart and soul like no other) & JOHNNY HARTMAN (cool, smooth, & s-o-o-o-romantic)

 

Date:	19-Oct-2001 01:02:46
From:	cyberzen
	CASSANDRA WILSON ****

 

Date:	19-Oct-2001 08:24:13
From:	cordelia (raspberry_cordelia@yahoo.com)
	Chris Connor is by far my favourite. But I also love Helen Merill, June Christy and Astrud Gilberto. Ella never did much for me- sure you can't fault her technique but she just doesn't affect me.

 

Date:	19-Oct-2001 16:20:20
From:	Samuel Craddick
	Thank God....we've gotten back to true jazz greatness! The commentaries from October 15 (Pearl Lesser) to October 19th (cordelia) have been right on the money!!! All the cats they named were and are among the "truly great" jazz singers, irrespective of who their personal favorites might be. Thanks guys.... My personal favorite is Nancy Wilson. She was and still is, in my opinion, the sexiest chanteuse to ever grace the stage.

 

Date:	19-Oct-2001 16:53:14
From:	DAVE
	Response to: Wendell (Nov 25, 1999) Answer: DEFINITELY A LOT OF HYPE. WE'RE TALKING GREATNESS HERE. I GOTTA ADMIT THOUGH, SOMEONE STEERED HER RIGHT WHEN THEY SUGGESTED TO STICK TO THE CLASSICS. THAT HAS DEFINITELY WORKED IN HER FAVOR. SORRY RESPONSE IS SO LATE. ONLY FOUND THIS PAGE TODAY (FRIDAY OCT. 19TH 2001). IF WHAT WE WANT IS A "GREAT WHITE HOPE" LET'S MENTION THOSE WHO CAN AND COULD REALLY SING WELL....MEL TORME, MARK MURPHY, TONY BENNETT, FRANK SINATRA, JUNE CHRISTY, CLEO LANE, DIANE SCHURR, CHRIS CONNOR, PEGGY LEE, ETC.

 

Date:	21-Oct-2001 14:38:24
From:	Eddie W.
	Diana Krall good, not great. Another good jazz singer is a plus in my book. Who knows how she'll develop. I wish her the best of luck.

 

Date:	22-Oct-2001 14:16:36
From:	Ignatz
	Dave: who but you said anything about a great white hope, what a bonehead remark.

 

Date:	22-Oct-2001 19:43:10
From:	dave
	ignatz: yes, just about as "boneheaded" as those naming mediocre singers on a page where we're supposed to be naming favorite "GREAT jazz singers."

 

Date:	23-Oct-2001 13:48:40
From:	Tony
	I gotta go with Frank D'Rone