The subject matter, paired with her fantastic pipes, make this a truly haunting and powerful piece. “Strange Fruit” is a song about the abhorrent and vile act of lynching – a reality in the black community throughout the existence of America – delivered perfectly in Billie’s famous low and powerful voice. ![]() While Holiday endured the rough seas of life, her musical success would go on to influence big name singers like Carmen McRae, Dinah Washington, Etta Jones, and many more after her.Ī great display of Billie’s abilities is found her in her song “Strange Fruit” released in 1939. Billie’s form transitioned jazz out of the traditional light, upbeat sound into a more melancholy, low rolling promenade.īillie Holiday reshaped how jazz is sung, making her a very influential component of the genre. The very same disparity for income that drove her to prostitution and jail time, would eventually lead her to a Harlem speakeasy, auditioning as a jazz singer, and blowing the minds of all who heard her.īillie’s personal enjoyment of jazz and blues styles comes out in her music, maintaining that melancholy disposition of blues with a smooth jazz finish. Starting at a very young age, Billie ran errands for brothels, eventually earning her income in prostitution when she got older. Despite having a voice and style that so many people fell in love with, Billie wasn’t always received with the affections of today.īorn in 1915 Maryland, Billie’s childhood would revolve around financial desperation. Billie Holiday is a name recognizable by many. You May Also Enjoy: Black Female Singers of the 60sĪmongst some of the most notable black female jazz singers is Miss Lady Day.In June 1996, when Ella passed away, reactions sparked across the globe, honoring the life and legacy of this jazz music idol.Ĭheck out the song “Smooth Sailing” for an exemplary demonstration of Ella’s scat abilities. Whether she’s scat singing or belting out lyrics, her perfect pitch and infallible sense of time is prominently displayed in true Ella Fitzgerald fashion. Her range spans across octaves, with the ability to vocally mimic most jazz instruments. With her intoxicating sweet, smooth voice, it’s no wonder she’s known as the First Lady of Song. Instead of letting those life chapters hinder her dreams, she went on to leverage her challenges and use them to fuel her musical dialogues. As successful as she was, however, Ella’s journey is riddled with devastating events that should have derailed her: poverty, hardship, loss of close family, and loneliness. Known as the First Lady of Song, and the most popular female jazz singer in the US for the better part of 50 years, Ella’s musical success is undeniable. Now if you’re looking for one of the best African American female jazz singers of all time, look no further than Ella Fitzgerald. Check out her song “None Of My Jelly Roll” for that classic Sweet Emma Barrett sound of New Orleans. Known as a New Orleans jazz icon, her debut album New Orleans: The Living Legends released in 1961, landing Emma a spot with the famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band.Įmma would go on to tour the country and Europe after joining the Preservation Hall Band, however, despite her success as a jazz singer, her fame would stay primarily local to her hometown of New Orleans, which is what the Bell Gal preferred.Įmma’s coined for having a “pile-driver attack” piano style partnered with classy use of a double entendre or two. How do you not fall in love with someone named Sweet Emma Barrett? Her name alone offers a soothing sound, but it’s her music that will hook you even deeper.īorn 1897 in Louisiana, this talented jazz woman began performing in clubs across New Orleans at the early age of 12, even though she had no idea how to read music. Best Black Female Jazz Singers You Will Enjoyīest Black Female Jazz Singers You Will Enjoy.
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