7 Most Famous Jazz Musicians

A new musical direction, called jazz, arose at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries as a result of the fusion of European musical culture with African one. He is characterized by improvisation, expressiveness and a special type of rhythm.

At the very beginning of the twentieth century, new musical ensembles called jazz bands began to be created. They included wind instruments (trumpet, trombone clarinet), double bass, piano and percussion instruments.

Famous jazz players, thanks to their talent for improvisation and ability to subtly feel music, gave impetus to the formation of many musical directions. Jazz has become the primary source of many modern genres.

So, whose performance of jazz compositions made the listener’s heart skip a beat in ecstasy?

Louis Armstrong

For many music connoisseurs, his name is associated with jazz. The musician’s dazzling talent captivated him from the first minutes of his performance. Merging together with a musical instrument – a trumpet – he plunged his listeners into euphoria. Louis Armstrong went through a difficult journey from a nimble boy from a poor family to the famous King of Jazz.

Duke Ellington

Unstoppable creative personality. A composer whose music played with the modulations of many styles and experiments. The talented pianist, arranger, composer, and orchestra leader never tired of surprising with his innovation and originality.

His unique works were tested with great enthusiasm by the most famous orchestras of the time. It was Duke who came up with the idea of ​​using the human voice as an instrument. More than a thousand of his works, called by connoisseurs the “golden fund of jazz,” were recorded on 620 discs!

Ella Fitzgerald

The “First Lady of Jazz” had a unique voice with a wide range of three octaves. It is difficult to count the honorary awards of the talented American. Ella’s 90 albums were distributed around the world in incredible numbers. It is hard to imagine! Over 50 years of creativity, about 40 million albums performed by her have been sold. Masterfully mastering the talent of improvisation, she easily worked in duets with other famous jazz performers.

Ray Charles

One of the most famous musicians, called “a true genius of jazz.” 70 music albums were sold around the world in numerous editions. He has 13 Grammy awards to his name. His compositions have been recorded by the Library of Congress. The popular magazine Rolling Stone ranked Ray Charles number 10 on its “Immortal List” of XNUMX great artists of all time.

Miles Davis

American trumpeter who has been compared to the artist Picasso. His music was highly influential in shaping the music of the 20th century. Davis represents the versatility of styles in jazz, the breadth of interests and accessibility for audiences of all ages.

Frank Sinatra

The famous jazz player came from a poor family, was short in stature and did not differ in any way in appearance. But he captivated the audience with his velvety baritone. The talented vocalist starred in musicals and dramatic films. Recipient of many awards and special awards. Won an Oscar for The House I Live In

Billie Holiday

A whole era in the development of jazz. The songs performed by the American singer acquired individuality and radiance, playing with tints of freshness and novelty. The life and work of “Lady Day” was short, but bright and unique.

Famous jazz musicians have enriched the art of music with sensual and soulful rhythms, expressiveness and freedom of improvisation.