42 Best Jazz Musicians Who Shaped the Genre
Jazz music has long been the heart of American musical innovation, with its roots deeply planted in the rich cultural
Jazz music has long been the heart of American musical innovation, with its roots deeply planted in the rich cultural
A multi-genre recording powerhouse, Nat King Cole amassed hit after hit while building one of the best selling discographies of all time. From his jazz singles to his pop chart toppers, we cover Cole’s legendary career and the music that made him a beloved star in America and abroad
Praised by many as the 20th century’s greatest composer, Duke Ellington remains the jazz genre’s most influential founding father. He brought big band jazz into the mainstream and produced an insurmountable body of work ranging from pop-tinged hits and long-form pieces to some of jazz’s most distinctive compositions ever recorded. Read on as we unpack our favorite Duke Ellington songs and reveal why he is still considered to be one of the greatest jazz players of all time
One of America’s most treasured crooners, Sinatra spent his storybook career perfecting his own style of big band music still revered today. From falling in love to flying in style, Ol’ Blue Eyes did it all with class, and made sure to sing about it in perfect pitch too
A towering musical figure referred to as “The Genius,” Ray Charles penned some of the most popular hits of all time. A trailblazing figure of soul music, we take a look at the pianist’s historic contributions to genres from blues and jazz to pop and R&B
Affectionately called Lady Day by her fellow musician-friends, Billie Holiday is one of the 20th century’s signature voices. She commanded the mic and bravely bared her soul for audiences while reimagining the vocalist’s role at the helm, steering the band with each swinging, jazzy note effortlessly communicated to awe-struck listeners