10 Best Female Jazz Singer

Ever wondered how the 10 best female jazz singers made their way to the top? It’s not just the perseverance but it was mainly about great talent. The best female jazz singers have some things in common. For one, they started at a young age and that they knew at least one instrument. But it’s not that easy. These women had tough times that they triumphed over the years for the love of jazz and music.

1. Diana Krall – As a Grammy award winner (three awards), Diana Krall is a Canadian female jazz singer and pianist. She has become one of the best female jazz singers who also won eight Juno awards. Her fans love the way she combines a little of traditional pop to her jazz songs.
2. Billie Holiday – Billie Holiday became a jazz icon especially during the 1950’s. At the early age of eighteen she was already recognized as one of the greatest Jazz artists of all time. Known as “Lady Day,” she’s still remembered as an American jazz singer with a distinct vocal style that’s rather slow but powerful to a wide range of audience.
3. Anita O’Day – American jazz singer Anita O’Day started her career at a young age when she was recognized as the “New Star of the Year” in 1941. The song “Let Me Off Uptown,” with trumpeter Roy Eldridge, was one of the best-selling hits that made her popular during the early years.
4. Sarah Vaughan- Sarah Vaughan also started singing during her childhood in the church choir.  She’s not only a great singer but she played the piano too. Her singing personality for almost 50 years shows her versatility that’s both jazz and pop, at the same time, lively and devotional. 
5. Ella Fitzgerald – Winning thirteen Grammys and having sold over 40 million albums, Ella Fitzgerald is one of the best female singers in the US and all over the world. As “The First Lady of Song,” she has incomparable skills in sweet jazz and ballads. Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole are a few of the great names she performed with. Many people and fans admire her for the great diction and pure voice that no one else has but Ella Fitzgerald.
6. Nina Simone– Nina Simone had great passion for music since childhood but she thought that she might be discriminated as a Black American. However, the color of her skin did not refrain herself from pursuing her singing career. As one of the best female jazz singers, Nina Simone has flexible vocal skills in a variety: jazz, soul, and gospel. She has successfully recorded about 60 albums.
7. Chris Connor – American jazz singer Chris Connor knew she wanted to be a singer since childhood. She pursued her singing career in 1949 when she decided to leave her hometown for more opportunities. Although she knew how to play the clarinet, she was more inclined into singing. This dedication has made her one of the best female jazz singers of all time.
8. Helen Forrest – Helen Forrest is one of the best female jazz singers who rose into fame during the Big Band Era. Born as Helen Fogel, she sang for a radio station in New York when she was just a child. She worked with Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, and later on with Harry James. In 1943, she started her solo career in which she was undoubtedly successful. One of her most popular songs was “I Had the Craziest Dream.”
9. Dinah Washington – Dinah Washington has become one of the best female jazz singers for her versatility. Her high-toned voice and vocal style matches both jazz and devotional genre. Also known for playing the piano, she has become truly recognized as a jazz solo artist in the 1940’s.
10. Dianne Reeves – At the age of sixteen, Dianne Reeves found love with music. As one of the best female jazz singers, she has won four Grammy awards so far. In 1981, she began to have an international exposure. Her lovely voice matches almost any instrument including saxophone and violin. Until now, she continues to inspire the world with her unparalleled talent as a jazz singer.