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By age 20, he had solidified himself as a force in jazz, relocating to New York and playing with greats like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. In the 1950s, Davis was at the top of his game, continuing to innovate new genres, and he’s considered a bebop, hard bop, and cool jazz legend. 2. Ella Fitzgerald.
- Charlie Parker. Famously called Yardbird or Bird, Charlie Parker was an American jazz saxophonist who significantly contributed to the genre’s growth in the music scene.
- Dizzy Gillespie. Born in 1917 in South Carolina, Dizzy Gillespie, whose real name was John, was a jazz trumpeter who rose to fame during the 1940s. Most people knew him for his big cheeks, which puffed out as he played the trumpet.
- Miles Davis. Illinois native Miles Davis was arguably one of the most influential jazz musicians and could play the trumpet with a unique style. Born in 1926, Davis left home and moved to New York to attend Juilliard.
- Ella Fitzgerald. Called First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald was acclaimed for her vocal strength and distinctive voice, which sounded like an instrument when doing scat improvisations.
- Dave Brubeck. First on our list, Dave Brubeck pioneered the use of unusual time signatures in jazz. While most songs on the charts have two, three, or four beats per measure, songs from the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s 1959 album Time Out featured no songs in 4/4.
- Miles Davis. Legendary jazz trumpet player and composer Miles Davis played a huge role in the development of bebop and cool jazz. He also had a distinctive playing style, which often included the use of mutes and minimalist solos.
- John Coltrane. Saxophonist John Coltrane is widely considered one of the most important and influential figures in the history of jazz, not just in the 1960s.
- Charles Mingus. Bass player Charles Mingus revolutionized the way the upright bass was utilized in jazz. He often bowed his bass and played it as a solo instrument, liberating it from its usual spot in the rhythm section, tied to the drummer.
- Charles Waring
- Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) Born in Newport News, Virginia, Ella Fitzgerald earned the title “The First Lady Of Song” due to her peerless vocal abilities.
- Duke Ellington (1899-1974) Between 1927 and 1974, Washington DC-born Duke Ellington commanded one of the finest ensembles in jazz. A pianist by trade – he played in a unique staccato style – Ellington made his name performing at Harlem’s famous Cotton Club in the late 20s where his orchestra helped to usher in the big band swing movement.
- Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) Nicknamed “Satchmo” or “Pops,” New Orleans-born Louis Armstrong was one of jazz’s most significant founding fathers and played a profoundly influential role in exporting the music to other parts of the world.
- Miles Davis (1926-1991) A trumpeter and bandleader from East St. Louis, Illinois, Miles Davis is arguably the most influential jazz musician of all time.
Aug 23, 2023 · Chet Baker's cool jazz sound in the 1950s-60s, coupled with his singing on albums like "Chet Baker Sings," made him a standout artist. His collaborations with Gerry Mulligan and his haunting rendition of "My Funny Valentine" are memorable. Baker's troubled life and mysterious allure added to his legend. He passed away in 1988.
Oct 17, 2024 · 29. Elvin Jones. Born: 1927. Rising to prominence in the post-bop jazz era Elvin Jones is, quite rightly, best known for his work on one the most famous jazz albums of all time : John Coltrane’s Love Supreme – along with Jimmy Garrison on bass and McCoy Tyner on piano.
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May 16, 2024 · 23: Blossom Dearie (1924-2009) With her almost twee, little-girl-like timbre, New York-born Blossom Dearie (her real name) possessed one of the most delicate voices among this list of best jazz ...
