Iconic Jazz Vocalists

About this course:

Vocal jazz is a unique art form that can swing, interact in a creative and musical way with improvising musicians and transform songs into something distinctive and personal. This course is a curated look at the Great American Songbook and beyond, interpreted by some of America’s most famous jazz singers ranging from Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald through Diana Krall and Tony Bennett. Through film and video clips, we chart the evolution of the jazz vocal from the 1930s through the twentieth century. Beginning with Jo Stafford and Peggy Lee of the Big Band era, we recall mega stars Louis Armstrong (Satchmo), Lady Day, Sarah Tormé, Brother Ray, King Cole and Nina, as well as unique under-the-radar types like Blossom Dearie, Johnny Hartman, Nellie Lutcher and Mark Murphy.