The 10 Greatest Jazz Artists of All Time and Today's Jazz Influencers
Kind of Blue studio session (1959): Bill Evans (piano), Miles Davis (trumpet), Julian "Cannonball" Adderley (alto saxophone), and John Coltrane (tenor saxophone). The album considered to be the greatest jazz album and perhaps the best album in the history of recorded music.
Here is the list of the 10 greatest jazz artists in no particular order. Each of this artists have garnered a lasting influence on the genre of music called Jazz! There are many other remarkable jazz artists who have contributed to the genre's rich history that we did not place on our list here, but we would be remissed if we did not mention them here. Those artists from Joe "King" Oliver (the pivotal figure in the early development of jazz around 1910) to Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Sarah Vaughn, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Lee Morgan, Clifford Brown, Dexter Gordan, Betty Carter, Nina Simone, Shirley Scott, Mikey Roker, Sonny Rollins, Bill Evans, Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, Tony Williams, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Donald Byrd, Ahmad Jamal, Ornette Coleman, Wallace Roney, Roy Hargrove, Terence Blanchard, and so many more...
While you are scrolling through this list, check out this playlist featuring the 10 greatest jazz artists and today's jazz influencers.
Miles Davis: Known for his innovative and influential style, Miles Davis was a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. He played a key role in the development of cool jazz, modal jazz, and jazz fusion. Playlist tracks: "So What" "All Blues" "Footprints" Milestones" and "Flamenco Sketches"
John Coltrane: A prominent saxophonist and composer, Coltrane pushed the boundaries of jazz with his avant-garde approach and complex improvisational style. His album "A Love Supreme" is considered a masterpiece. Playlist track "My Favorite Things"
Duke Ellington: Ellington was a renowned composer, pianist, and bandleader. His orchestra, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, was one of the most influential jazz bands of the swing era, and he composed numerous jazz standards. Playlist track: "The Single Petal Of A Rose"
Louis Armstrong: A legendary trumpeter and vocalist, Armstrong is considered one of the most important figures in jazz history. His improvisational skills and charismatic performances made him a beloved jazz icon.
Ella Fitzgerald: Known as the "First Lady of Song," Fitzgerald was a virtuosic jazz vocalist with a remarkable vocal range and an impeccable sense of swing. Her interpretations of the Great American Songbook are highly regarded. "Under a Blue Blanket" with Louis Armstrong featuring his vocals and trumpet virtuosity.
Billie Holiday: With her unique voice and emotive storytelling, Holiday was one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. She had a profound impact on jazz and popular music, with songs like "Strange Fruit" becoming powerful anthems. Playlist track: "Lover Man"
Charlie Parker: Parker, also known as "Bird," was a groundbreaking alto saxophonist and composer. He played a vital role in the development of bebop, a fast and complex style of jazz characterized by intricate improvisation. Playlist track: "A Night in Tunisia" Charlie Parker & Dizzy Gillespie
Thelonious Monk: Monk was an innovative pianist and composer known for his idiosyncratic playing style and unconventional compositions. He was a key figure in the development of bebop and his compositions are still widely performed today. Playlist: "Caravan" Thelonious Monk Plays Duke Ellington
Herbie Hancock: A highly influential pianist, composer, and bandleader, Hancock has explored various genres throughout his career, including jazz, funk, fusion, and electronic music. His compositions, such as "Watermelon Man" and "Cantaloupe Island," are jazz classics. Playlist tracks "Maiden Voyage" - "Tell Me a Bedtime Story" - "A Case Of You" from River: The Joni Letters feat: Wayne Shorter - two versions of "Watermelon Man" from Head Hunters and Takin' Off
Ron Carter: Carter is widely regarded as one of the most influential bassists in the history of jazz. Carter gained widespread recognition as a member of the legendary Miles Davis Quintet in the 1960s. His contributions to Davis' iconic albums, such as "Footprints" and "Seven Steps to Heaven," showcased his exceptional musicianship and innovative bass playing. Carter along with Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Tony Williams formed Miles Davis' Second Great Quintet. Playlist track: The John Coltrane composition "Impressions" from McCoy Tyner's Trident (The hip hop classic Choice Is Yours by Black Sheep samples this track.)
Soundcheck at The Blue Note in NYC - July 10, 2023
A Tribe Called Quest hired double bassist Ron Carter for the song "Verses from the Abstract" in 1991. Q-Tip stated, "We wanted that straight bass sound, and Ron Carter is one of the premier bassists of the century.
'Trident' is McCoy Tyner's 1975 visionary album with Ron Carter's famous sampled bassline on the track “Impressions.”
We are highlighting five artists that are steadfast in their preservation of jazz music today. They've taken the standard set by the above artists and have become jazz influencers themselves.
Robert Glasper: Glasper is an American pianist, composer, and record producer known for his groundbreaking work in blending jazz with other genres such as hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. Glasper has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar, Common, Bilal, and many others. Known for his innovative improvisation and genre-blurring compositions, Glasper gained recognition with the release of his album "Canvas" in 2005.
Esperanza Spalding: Spalding is an American jazz bassist, singer, and songwriter who has made a significant impact on the contemporary jazz scene. She has worked with musicians like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Prince, among others, showcasing her versatility and ability to connect with musicians from diverse musical backgrounds. Playlist track: "I Know You Know"
Kenny Garrett: Garrett is an acclaimed American jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. Garrett is known for his virtuosic and soulful playing style, rooted in the bebop and post-bop traditions but infused with elements of funk, R&B, and world music. Garrett gained prominence in the 1980s as a member of Miles Davis's band. His electrifying solos and energetic stage presence made him a standout performer. He played on Davis's influential albums "Tutu" and "Amandla," showcasing his ability to blend jazz with contemporary sounds and rhythms. Playlist track: "Hargrove" Sounds from the Ancestors A tribute to the late Roy Hargrove and John Coltrane.
Jon Batiste: Batiste is an American musician, bandleader, and composer. He is known for his vibrant and charismatic performances, blending elements of jazz, blues, R&B, and gospel to create a unique and modern sound. Playlist track: "The Very Thought Of You" Hollywood Africans
Lakecia Benjamin is an American saxophonist, flutist, composer, and bandleader known for her contributions to the world of jazz and contemporary music. Over the years, Lakecia Benjamin has collaborated with numerous renowned artists and musicians across various genres, including jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. She has been praised for her versatile playing style and ability to infuse traditional jazz with contemporary elements. Her admiration for the work of John and Alice Coltrane is evident in the track we've picked for the playlist. Benjamin's rendition of “Alabama” from her album Pursuance: The Coltranes.
Check out more on our Jazz page.
Want to hear more jazz? One of the best jazz stations in the country is WBGO 88.3 Newark, NJ in the New York City area.
Saturday Evening Jazz (Saturday 6pm - 10pm) hosted by Monifa Brown, "The Global Jazz Queen" Four hours of spirited and uplifting music that captures the heart and soul of jazz. Each show features a mix of iconic jazz figures, today's shining stars and upcoming young musicians.
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