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 & Louie!

Man, Woman, or child, best voice in history.

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 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.

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

Love her tone.

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

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!

One of my favorite female singers I have 2 favorite female singers and singers Peggy Lee and Billie Holiday.

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...

7 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.

8 Diana Krall

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!

9 Madeleine Peyroux
10 Dinah Washington
The Contenders
11 Lena Horne
12 Shirley Horn

Beautiful voice and wow! What a pianist!

13 Rosemary Clooney
14 Melody Gardot
15 Ethel Waters
16 Blossom Dearie
17 Anita O'Day
18 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.
19 Jane Monheit

Needs to be listed

20 Cecile McLorin Salvant

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

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