Best Female Jazz Singers

Britgirl To Anonymous: Hope I've included your favourite's here.

The Top Ten

1 Ella Fitzgerald Ella Fitzgerald Ella Jane Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer often referred to as the First Lady of Song, Queen of Jazz and Lady Ella.

I'm such a fan that I named my dachshunds Ella & Louie!

There is no way I could let 'The First Lady Of Song' be anywhere but #1 Just exquisite. - Britgirl

2 Billie Holiday Billie Holiday Eleanora Fagan, professionally known as Billie Holiday, was an American jazz musician and singer-songwriter with a career spanning nearly thirty years.

Billie Holiday had the ability to communicate sincerely, from the experience of her life, in a way no other singer ever could.
She sang in a relatively straightforward manner, with perfect intonation and a lovely sense of easy timing.
She was as much a story teller as a singer.

Always and forever will be number 1 in my opinion... One of the most amazing, charismatic singers of all time.

Very expressive singer. She sings from her soul.

She must be at the very least number 2.

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3 Nina Simone Nina Simone Nina Simone was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist who worked in a broad range of musical styles including classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop.

Love her so much. She is the best.

She is One of the best. She is able to give every Song her own touch. And that is often better than the original.

4 Sarah Vaughan

Just so soulful. And honest. I totally believe that she believes in the beautiful songs she sings. - Britgirl

5 Peggy Lee Peggy Lee Peggy Lee was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, composer and actress, in a career spanning six decades.

For every man there's a woman - its Peggy Lee for me.

Who can forget the enchanting, 'There'll Be Another Spring' and 'Fever'? Not I, Sir. Not I... - Britgirl

BritGirl, you have certainly included my favourite ones. Ella should be first, of course, she is godly. What a singer! I'm also very fond of Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, Etta James, Nina Simone, Madeleine Peyroux and Rosemary Clooney. Amazing, all of them. Anyway, all the ladies you put in your list are aces! Would you mind if I added Diana Krall among them? I will...scold me if you disagree. Thanks for making this! I wrote in your Best Male Jazz Singers List, that you are graciously sensitive, but my comment was deleted and I have no idea why or how. Never change! You seem a very nice person. Have a pleasant day!

6 Madeleine Peyroux
7 Shirley Horn

Beautiful voice and wow! What a pianist! - Britgirl

8 Etta James Etta James Etta James was an American singer who spanned a variety of music genres including blues, R&B, soul, rock and roll, jazz and gospel.

I LOVE HER! I'm into modern pop music mostly, but her voice draws me into that older soul vibe stuff. LOVE IT!

She's also a pretty good Blues singer too. - Britgirl

My favourite song of Etta's is 'At Last' - Britgirl

9 Diana Krall

Excellent!

You encouraged me so I voted her too...not my fault! Hehehe! I'm thinking of making a list with the most beautiful songs that Diana has sung. When you feel like listening to her, you can take a look at it. I'm making it now, yes I decided it!

RECOMMENDED SONG:
I've Just had the pleasure of hearing her version of Love Me Like A Man. Bonnie Raitt still tops her but wow, Diana's version needs a listen or three...! - Britgirl

10 Nancy Wilson

Love her tone.

The Newcomers

? Carmen McRae

Carmen is a notch belong the trinity of Ella, Billie and Sarah

The Contenders

11 Rosemary Clooney
12 Blossom Dearie
13 Cecile McLorin Salvant

Best new jazz singer. She is great. She should be higher on this list.

14 Melody Gardot
15 Jane Monheit
16 Cassandra Wilson
17 Tina May
18 Lena Horne
19 Dinah Washington
20 Dianne Reeves
21 Georgina Jackson
22 Haley Reinhart Haley Reinhart Haley Elizabeth Reinhart is an American singer, songwriter, and voice actress from Wheeling, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
23 Betty Carter
24 Anita O'Day
25 Flora Purim
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