Jazz Articles about Kate Kortum

Introducing Vocalist Kate Kortum

by Sanford Josephson
January 1, 2026

Growing up in Houston, Texas, Kate Kortum shared a computer with her five siblings. “Somehow, the Ella Fitzgerald recording of 'How High the Moon' from her Live in Berlin album ended up on the computer," she recalled. “I had no idea you could sing like that. I heard that and became obsessed." Despite her fixation on Fitzgerald, Kortum didn't start singing right away at Houston's High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Instead, she joined the jazz ...