Best Female Jazz Singers

The Top Ten
1 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.

She has such a recognizable voice. I can't get enough of her. Her scatting is incredible, and when she sings with Louis, the contrast is amazing and beautiful.

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

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

2 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 storyteller as a singer.

She is one of my favorite female singers, along with Peggy Lee, who is my favorite singer. Billie Holiday is also one of my favorite singers, along with Peggy Lee, who is my favorite as well.

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

3 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.

She is one of the best. She is able to give every song her own touch, and that is often better than the original.

Love her so much. She is the best.

4 Sarah Vaughan

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

5 Nancy Wilson
6 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.

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

One of my favorite female singers. I have two favorite female singers: Peggy Lee and Billie Holiday.

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

Who can forget the enchanting 'There'll Be Another Spring' and 'Fever'? Not I, sir. Not I…

8 Diana Krall

You encouraged me, so I voted for her too... not my fault! Haha! 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've 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...!

9 Dinah Washington
10 Lena Horne
The Contenders
11 Ethel Waters
12 Madeleine Peyroux
13 Amy Winehouse Amy Jade Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter known for her deep expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres, including soul, rhythm and blues, and jazz. She is also a well-known member of the 27 Club, as she overdosed on alcohol at age 27.
14 Shirley Horn

Beautiful voice, and wow! What a pianist!

15 Rosemary Clooney
16 Melody Gardot
17 Anita O'Day
18 Blossom Dearie
19 Alberta Hunter
20 Jane Monheit
21 Cecile McLorin Salvant

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

22 Betty Carter
23 Julie London
24 Dianne Reeves
25 Cassandra Wilson
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