Is Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin a good place to start with Sarah Vaughan?

Yes, Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin is recommended as a starting point for new Sarah Vaughan listeners. Vibrant orchestral arrangements intertwine with Vaughan's lush, emotive vocals to breathe new life into Gershwin's timeless compositions. Released in 1957, this album came at a pivotal moment in Sarah Vaughan's career as she transitioned from club performances to wider acclaim. Building on her previous successes, Vaughan sought to explore the American songbook's rich repertoire, particularly focusing on George Gershwin's works.

Who is Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin for?

Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin works well if you're into nostalgic reflections on love, intimate moments of quiet beauty and warmth in late-night listening.

How many songs are on Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin?

Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin has 37 tracks, running approximately 125 minutes.

Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin

Sarah Vaughan · 1957

125 min · 37 tracks · jazz

Vibrant orchestral arrangements intertwine with Vaughan's lush, emotive vocals to breathe new life into Gershwin's timeless compositions.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Isn’t It a Pity Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Someone to Watch Over Me — This track highlights Vaughan's ability to convey deep emotion through her phrasing and control, showcasing a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength.
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Summertime — Vaughan’s rendition transforms this classic into a haunting lullaby, emphasizing her unique vocal timbre while interpreting the song’s themes of longing.
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The Man I Love — In this track, Vaughan’s rich tone and expressive delivery create an intimate connection with the listener, illustrating her mastery of romantic ballads.
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I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise — The upbeat tempo and playful lyrics allow Vaughan to showcase her dynamic range and infectious energy, making it a standout performance on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Vaughan's interpretations of Gershwin's work highlight her vocal prowess and the intricate arrangements, though some tracks feel less cohesive.

What we noticed

Several tracks include extended instrumental sections that showcase the musicianship of the accompanying band.
The first half of the album maintains a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

nostalgic reflections on love
intimate moments of quiet beauty
warmth in late-night listening
playful melodies for relaxed evenings
explorations of vocal emotion

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat dance tracks
want modern production styles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album showcased Vaughan's vocal prowess and solidified her as a jazz icon.
Career context: Released in 1957, this album came at a pivotal moment in Sarah Vaughan's career as she transitioned from club performances to wider acclaim. Building on her previous successes, Vaughan sought to explore the American songbook's rich repertoire, particularly focusing on George Gershwin's works.
Stylistic neighbors: Ella Fitzgerald· Billie Holiday· Nancy Wilson