The albums that define
vocal jazz.
Our picks for where to start with vocal jazz — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top vocal jazz artists
Start with one of these.
The vocal jazz essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Billie Holiday
All or Nothing at All
Billie Holiday's voice weaves through lush orchestral arrangements, blending melancholy with elegance in this masterful collection of jazz standards.
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Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday's voice weaves through tender ballads, exuding a haunting vulnerability against lush instrumental backdrops.
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Connie Francis
The Exciting Connie Francis
This album brings together a variety of tracks that highlight Connie's vocal prowess across different genres, from pop to country. It serves as a well-rounded introduction to her extensive catalog, demonstrating why she remains influential in the music world.
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Connie Francis
Movie Greats of the 60s
Orchestral arrangements elevate Connie Francis's nostalgic vocals, weaving a rich tapestry of romantic ballads from classic cinema.
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Frank Sinatra
Young at Heart
Smooth orchestral arrangements intertwine with Sinatra's soothing vocals, capturing a timeless romantic essence.
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Frank Sinatra
Sinatra–Basie – An Historic Musical First
Swinging big band arrangements meld with Sinatra's velvet vocals, creating an effortless dance between rhythm and melody.
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Caterina Valente
Songs I've Sung on the Perry Como Show
A charming blend of bossa nova rhythms and vocal jazz that showcases Valente's enchanting voice and playful interpretations.
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Caterina Valente
I Happen to Like New York
This album blends catchy tunes with gentle bossa nova vibes, making it accessible for those new to Valente's work. It captures her ability to create an enchanting atmosphere that draws listeners in from the very first track.
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Monica Zetterlund
Waltz for Debby
A delicate interplay of jazz piano and emotive vocals, capturing the essence of longing and nostalgia.
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Eartha Kitt
I Love Men
Eartha Kitt's sultry vocals glide over lush arrangements, blending jazz sophistication with playful lyrics about love and desire.
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Eartha Kitt
That Bad Eartha
Eartha Kitt's sultry vocals intertwine with lush orchestration, creating an intoxicating blend of jazz and cabaret.
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Gregory Porter
Nat King Cole & Me
A heartfelt homage blending smooth jazz with soulful interpretations of classic Nat King Cole standards.
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Gregory Porter
Be Good
Soulful vocals entwined with rich jazz instrumentation create an intimate atmosphere that resonates with personal storytelling.
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Helen Merrill
Duets
Intimate vocal jazz where Helen Merrill's lush tones intertwine with Ron Carter's masterful bass, creating a serene auditory landscape.
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Helen Merrill
Jelena Ana Milcactic a.k.a. Helen Merrill
A rich tapestry of jazz vocals layered with poignant storytelling and emotive melodies, reflecting a lifetime of musical artistry.
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Diane Schuur
Heart to Heart
Warm vocals and sophisticated arrangements blend classic jazz standards with a fresh emotional depth.
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Diane Schuur
Swingin' for Schuur
An elegant blend of jazz standards infused with Diane Schuur's powerful vocals and rich emotional depth.
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Cécile McLorin Salvant
Cécile
A rich tapestry of jazz standards, woven together by Cécile McLorin Salvant's expressive voice and intricate phrasing.
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Cécile McLorin Salvant
The Window
A rich tapestry of jazz and vocal improvisation, blending classic standards with original interpretations infused with emotional depth.
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Lena Horne
It's Love
A lush orchestral backdrop intertwines with Horne's sultry vocals, creating an atmosphere of romantic elegance and timeless charm.
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Lena Horne
Lena on the Blue Side
A lush blend of jazz and traditional pop, featuring Horne's emotive vocals wrapped in sophisticated orchestral arrangements.
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where vocal jazz landed in each era.