The best jazz singers in the history of the genre. The greatest jazz performers: rating, achievements and interesting facts

A new musical direction called jazz originated in turn of the 19th century and 20th centuries as a result of the merger of European musical culture from African. He is characterized by improvisation, expressiveness and a special type of rhythm.

At the very beginning of the twentieth century, new musical ensembles began to be created, called. 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 styles. 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 into one with musical instrument– with 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 person. 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 human voice as a tool. 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 with a unique voice, the widest 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 jazz genius." 70 music albums 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 100 great artists of all time.

Miles Davis

American trumpeter who has been compared to the artist Picasso. His music has had big influence on the formation of 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. Songs performed American singer acquired individuality and radiance, played with tints of freshness and novelty. The life and work of “Lady Day” was short, but bright and unique.

Famous jazz musicians enriched musical art sensual and spiritual rhythms, expressiveness and freedom of improvisation.

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They were the first to play jazz

Jazz music world gave a meeting of two cultures - European and African. On an international wave in the early 20s of the twentieth century, the musical movement burst into the Land of the Soviets. We remember the performers who were the first to play jazz in the USSR.

Valentin Parnakh with his son Alexander. Photo: jazz.ru

Valentin Parnakh. Photo: mkrf.ru

“Valentin Parnach’s first eccentric jazz band orchestra in the RSFSR” debuted on stage in October 1922. It was not just a premiere, but a premiere of a new musical direction. The collective, revolutionary for the music of that time, was brought together by a poet, musician and choreographer who lived in Europe for six years. Parnach heard jazz in a Parisian cafe in 1921 and was shocked by this innovative musical movement. He returned to Soviet Union with a set of instruments for a jazz band. We only rehearsed for a month.

On the day of the premiere on the stage of the Central College theatrical arts- the current GITIS - gathered future writer and screenwriter Evgeniy Gabrilovich, actor and artist Alexander Kostomolotsky, Mechislav Kaprovich and Sergei Tizengeizen. Gabrilovich was sitting at the piano: he played well by ear. Kostomolotsky played drums, Kaprovich played saxophone, Tiesengeisen played double bass and foot drum. The double bass players still beat the rhythm with their feet, the musicians decided.

At the first concerts, Valentin Parnakh told the audience about the musical direction and that jazz is a combination of traditions from different continents and cultures into one “international fusion.” The practical part of the lecture was received with enthusiasm. Including Vsevolod Meyerhold, who was not slow in inviting Parnakh to assemble a jazz band for his performance. Popular foxtrots and shimmy were performed in the performances “The Generous Cuckold” and “D.E.” Energetic music came in handy even at the May Day demonstration in 1923. “For the first time, a jazz band participated in state celebrations, which has never happened in the West before!”- the Soviet press trumpeted.

Alexander Tsfasman: jazz as a profession

Alexander Tsfasman. Photo: orangesong.ru

Alexander Tsfasman. Photo: muzperekrestok.ru

The works of Franz Liszt, Heinrich Neuhaus and Dmitry Shostakovich coexisted harmoniously with jazz melodies in the work of Alexander Tsfasman. While still a student at the Moscow Conservatory, from which the musician later graduated with a gold medal, he created the first professional jazz group in Moscow - “AMA-jazz”. The orchestra's first performance took place in 1927 at the Artistic Club. The team immediately received an invitation from one of the most fashionable venues at that time - the Hermitage Garden. In the same year, jazz first appeared on Soviet radio. And it was performed by Tsfasman’s musicians.

“The tired sun tenderly said goodbye to the sea” sounded in 1937 from a record recorded by Alexander Tsfasman’s ensemble under the name “Moscow Guys”.

For the first time in the Union, the famous tango by the Polish composer Jerzy Petersbursky “Last Sunday” to the words of the poet Joseph Alwek was heard in jazz adaptation. The first to sing about the tender farewell of the sun and sea was the soloist of the Tsfasman jazz ensemble Pavel Mikhailov. WITH light hand Another recording from the same disc - about an unsuccessful date - became an all-time hit among musicians. “So that means tomorrow, in the same place, at the same hour.”, - the whole country sang after the jazz ensemble.

“Those who have ever listened to A. Tsfasman play will forever remember the art of this virtuoso pianist. His dazzling pianism, combining expression and grace, had a magical effect on the listener.”

Alexander Medvedev, musicologist

Although Alexander Tsfasman was engaged in a jazz ensemble, he did not leave solo program, performed as a pianist and composer. Together with Dmitry Shostakovich, Tsfasman worked on the music for the epic film “Meeting on the Elbe”, and then, at the request of the composer, performed his music for the film “The Unforgettable 1919”. He also became the author of jazz music that sounded in famous performance“Under the rustle of your eyelashes” by the puppet theater of Sergei Obraztsov.

Leopold Teplitsky. Classics with a jazz twist

Leopold Teplitsky. Photo: history.kantele.ru

Leopold Teplitsky conducted symphony orchestras at silent film shows in the St. Petersburg Hermitage and Lux ​​cinemas while still studying at the conservatory. In 1926, the People's Commissariat sent young musician to Philadelphia to perform at International exhibition. In America, Teplitsky heard symphonic jazz - the music of this direction was performed by the Paul Whiteman Orchestra.

When Leopold Teplitsky returned to the USSR, he organized the “First Concert Jazz Band” from professional musicians. The classics - the music of Giuseppe Verdi and Charles Gounod - were heard in a jazz arrangement. A jazz band played and works by contemporary American authors - George Gershwin, Irving Berlin. This is how Leopold Teplitsky found himself at the forefront of professional Leningrad jazz in the 1930s. Leonid Utesov called him “the first Russian musician to show jazz playing.”

The jazzmen's first performance took place in 1927. The concert was preceded by a lecture “The Jazz Band and the Music of the Future” by musicologist and composer Joseph Schillinger. Of particular interest to the public was the music, unusual for those years, and the soloist - the pop and jazz singer from Mexico Coretti Arle-Titz. The success of the team did not last long: in 1930, Leopold Teplitsky was arrested and convicted of espionage. He was released two years later, but Teplitsky did not stay in Leningrad - he moved to Petrozavodsk.

Since 1933, the musician worked as the chief conductor of the Karelian symphony orchestra, but did not leave jazz - he played with the academic orchestra and the jazz program. Teplitsky also performed with his new group in Leningrad - as part of the Ten Days of Karelian Art. In 1936, with the participation of the musician, new team"Kantele", for which Teplitsky wrote "Karelian Prelude". The ensemble became the winner of the First All-Union Radio Festival folk art in 1936. Leopold Teplitsky remained to live in Petrozavodsk. The “Stars and Us” jazz music festival is dedicated to the memory of the famous jazzman.

Leonid Utesov. "Song Jazz"

Leonid Utesov. Photo: music-fantasy.ru

Leonid Utesov. Photo: mp3stunes.com

A high-profile premiere at the turn of the 1930s was “Thea Jazz” by Leonid Utesov. The fashionable musical direction, with the light hand of the famous pop artist, who dropped out of commercial school for the sake of music, acquired the scale of a theatrical performance. Utesov became interested in jazz during a trip to Paris, where the Ted Lewis Orchestra amazed the Soviet musician with its “theatricalization” in the best traditions of music hall.

These impressions were embodied in the creation of “Thea Jazz”. Utesov turned to the virtuoso trumpet player, academic musician Yakov Skomorovsky, who also found the idea of ​​a jazz orchestra interesting. Gathering musicians from Leningrad theaters, Tea Jazz performed on the stage of the Leningrad Maly Opera Theater in 1929. This was the first composition of the group, which did not work for long and soon moved to the Leningrad Radio in the “Concert Jazz Orchestra”.

Utesov recruited a new cast of “Thea-jazz” - the musicians staged entire performances. One of them - “Music Store” - later formed the basis famous film, the first Soviet musical comedy. Painting by Grigory Alexandrov “Jolly Guys” with Lyubov Orlova in leading role was released in 1934. She became popular not only at home, but also abroad.

The repertoire of "Thea-jazz" included jazz rhapsodies by Isaac Dunaevsky on the themes folk songs and songs based on poetry Soviet composers. So, with the light hand of Utesov, a brilliant performer who “sang with his heart,” a wave swept across the country “ song jazz" Dunaevsky's songs were picked up by many jazz orchestras: they were included in improvisations, fantasies and arrangements.

Oleg Lundstrem. "Jazz King of the Far East"

Oleg Lundstrem. Photo: classicalmusicnews.ru

Oleg Lundstrem. Photo: kp.ru

Oleg Lundstrem became inspired by jazz music in 1933 when he heard Duke Ellington's "Dear Old South". Impressed, Lundström wrote out the arrangement, assembled a band, and sat down at the piano himself. Two years later, the musician conquered Shanghai, where he lived at that moment. So I decided further fate: Lundström studied abroad at the same time Polytechnic Institute And music college. His orchestra played jazz classics and music of Soviet composers in jazz arrangements. The press called Lundström “the king of jazz of the Far East.”

In 1947, the musicians decided to move to the Soviet Union - to in full force, with families. Everyone settled in Kazan and studied at the Conservatory here. However, a year later, a resolution of the CPSU Central Committee was issued, condemning “formalism in music.” The team returned to their homeland to become state-owned jazz band Tatar ASSR, but the musicians were distributed in Opera theatre and cinema orchestras. Together they performed only at rare one-off concerts.

“Deep penetration into the character of jazz performance, into its classical traditions, on the one hand, and the desire to contribute to this genre, using national folklore, through the creation and performance of original jazz works and arrangements, on the other - this is the orchestra’s credo.”

Oleg Lundstrem

Only the thaw brought jazz back to the stage. In the year of its 60th anniversary, Oleg Lundstrem's orchestra entered the Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest continuously existing jazz orchestra. The musician also had a chance to meet the author of that same “Dear Old South” when Duke Ellington came to Moscow in the 1970s. Oleg Lundstrem kept the record all his life, which gave him a love for jazz.

The best jazz singers

Frank Sinatra (1915-1998)

A talented person is talented in everything - this is how one can describe. He succeeded in any activity that was in his hands. Whether it was acting and filming, writing music or participating in television shows, Frankie showed class everywhere.

Who doesn't know songs like Let It Snow or strangers in the Night? Sinatra gave them the strongest energy

It’s not for nothing that in his youth the singer had the nickname “The Voice”. No one else on the planet has such a rich and soft voice, like velvet. He became classic example in a conversation about pop performance and swing. More than one generation was brought up in his manner of singing “crooning”.

Little known facts about the great singer in the film

Probably Frank Sinatra, “Mr. Blue Eyes,” is the only singer who was not only able to maintain his popularity, but also repeat his success youth. The song New York, New York, performed by him, was so loved by the residents of the city that to this day it is its unspoken anthem.

Perry Como (1919-2001)

Actor and singer Pierino Ronald Como. A voice with an unsurpassed baritone. Starting your career path Even before the war, he passed through many barriers, reaching the very stars. No one else had such an approach to business as Como.

He was bright, daring and fearless in his own way. He loved irony and sarcasm, and was not afraid to use all this in his work. Perry Como was not like others and that’s why he fascinated.

Nat King Cole (1919-1965)

A king who cannot be forgotten - . He is known as the “golden hands” of the piano. He was equally skillful in performing simple melodies and the most complex works. But that’s not why they called him the King. And not even for his undoubtedly wonderful, low baritone. He became the first dark-skinned jazz musician to be able to openly express himself creatively.

Nat King Cole – “golden hands” of the piano

Music on topics close to his black listeners, a TV show with his participation - he got it all the greatest work. But it was worth it, because it opened a good path for other performers. Nat had an amazing charm, which, along with a well-delivered and rich speech, simply captivated listeners and everyone who only once communicated with him. Many actors still comment on Cole's clarity of diction.

Dean Martin (1917-1995)

Dino Paul Crocetti, better known as , is a true representative of . People liked his music so much that it still occupies a worthy place in the repertoires of other singers, and is also used as soundtracks for films.

Dean Martin's singing style was called authentic

Martin was one of the members of the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers and actors that included Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis. His voice was firm, flexible and a little cool, just like its owner. However, it was precisely this “little piece of ice” that attracted his listeners. Everyone found something different in Dean’s work: some found the bright and cheerful notes of the Mamba of Italy, others found soulful cool jazz.

Sam Cooke (1931-1964)

If you understand jazz, then the name Sam Cooke is not an empty phrase for you. In about 10 years, his charming tenor became so close to listeners that sudden departure from the life of a musician from the hands marksman plunged the country into a deep depression.

As a young man, Sam Cooke did not seek recognition from the aesthetes of high jazz, did not try to be feignedly serious, but appealed to a young audience. He was someone who considered his audience to be fresh minds - young people.

Despite the calm melodies in his repertoire, they had a special internal energy, thanks to which they not only pacified the soul, but also lifted the mood.

Sammy Davis Jr. (1917-1995)

The man with the disarming smile is Sammy Davis Jr., an actor and singer. He had a subtle sense musical style. His voice seemed light and airy, as if Sammy was not walking on the same ground as us, but was floating in the air. It's amazing how a person with such difficult fate remained like this gentle voice, which gives you goosebumps.

You'll probably recognize it when you hear it famous song Candyman. We also advise you to include When I look in Your Eyes in your repertoire. You will literally fall in love with his singing and wish you could dance at least one dance with Sammy Davis.

Bing Crosby (1903-1977)

Successful and attractive Bing Crosby was favored by women and respected by other jazzmen. He was one of the first to sing in the crooner style and had an unrivaled sense of swing. It is not surprising that his albums contain collaborations with Louis Armstrong.

To this day, Crosby's hits are in swing styles and are known, if not performed by him, then as re-covers of other groups. His Christmas songs, particularly White Christmas, are loved even decades later.

Chet Baker (1929-1988)

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971)

The musician’s name has become synonymous with jazz; he is the first person everyone remembers when talking about this music. And although, first of all, he was an excellent trumpeter, his voice captivated listeners no less. The musician himself was very embarrassed about his hoarseness, which was a consequence of the operation.

Armstrong took up music seriously in a correctional institution (he was arrested for shooting in the air at New Year). There Louis learned to play the altohorn, bugle, and then the cornet. He did not know musical notation, but had excellent hearing and sang in the choir since childhood.

Unconditional hits late creativity Armstrong's song Hello, Dolly! From the musical with. Latest hit "What a Wonderful World" topped the UK charts.

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 1901 – 1971.

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 1899 – 1974.

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 1917-1996.

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 1930-2004.

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 100 great artists of all time.

Miles Davis 1926 – 1991.

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 1915-1998.

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 1915 – 1959.

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.

... and 11 more, all of them considered jazz classics.

Charlie Parker1920 - 1955

Virtuoso saxophonist Charlie Parker was an influential jazz soloist and a leading figure in the development of bebop, a form of jazz characterized by fast tempos, virtuosic technique and improvisation. In his complex melodic lines, Parker combines jazz with other musical genres, including blues, Latin and classical music. Parker was an iconic figure for the beatnik subculture, but he transcended his generation and became the epitome of the uncompromising, intelligent musician.

Nat King Cole1919 - 1965

Known for his silky baritone voice, Nat King Cole brought popular American music the emotionality of jazz. Cole was one of the first African Americans to host a television program that was visited by such jazz artists as Ella Fitzgerald and Eartha Kitt. Phenomenal pianist and an accomplished improviser, Cole was one of the first jazz performers to become a pop icon.

John Coltrane1926 - 1967

Despite the relatively short career(first accompanied at the age of 29 in 1955, officially began solo career at 33 in 1960, and died at 40 in 1967), saxophonist John Coltrane is the most important and controversial figure in jazz. Despite his short career, Coltrane's fame allowed him to record in abundance, and many of his recordings were released posthumously. Coltrane changed his style radically over the course of his career, yet he still has a strong following for both his early, traditional sound and his more experimental ones. And no one, with almost religious devotion, doubts his significance in the history of music.

Thelonious Monk1917 - 1982

Thelonious Monk is a musician with a unique improvisational style, the second most recognizable jazz artist, after Duke Ellington. His style was characterized by energetic, percussive lines mixed with sharp, dramatic silences. During his performances, while the rest of the musicians were playing, Thelonious would get up from his keyboard and dance for several minutes. Having created jazz classics "Round Midnight" and "Straight, No Chaser," Monk ended his days in relative obscurity, but his influence on modern jazz noticeable to this day.

Oscar Peterson1925 - 2007

Oscar Peterson is an innovative musician who has performed everything from a classical ode to Bach to one of the first jazz ballets. Peterson opened one of the first jazz schools in Canada. His "Hymn to Freedom" became the anthem of the movement civil rights. Oscar Peterson was one of the most talented and important jazz pianists of his generation.

Dizzy Gillespie1917 - 1993

Trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie is a bebop innovator and master of improvisation, as well as a pioneer of Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz. Gillespie has collaborated with various musicians from South America and from the Caribbean islands. He had a deep passion for traditional African music. All this allowed him to bring unprecedented innovations to modern jazz interpretations. Throughout his long career, Gillespie toured tirelessly and captivated audiences with his beret, horn-rimmed glasses, puffy cheeks, carefree attitude and his incredible music.

Dave Brubeck1920 – 2012

Dave Brubeck is a composer and pianist, jazz promoter, civil rights activist and music scholar. An iconoclastic performer recognizable from a single chord, a restless composer pushing the boundaries of genre, and building a bridge between the past and future of music. Brubeck collaborated with Louis Armstrong and many other famous jazz musicians, and also influenced avant-garde pianist Cecil Taylor and saxophonist Anthony Braxton.

Benny Goodman 1909 – 1986

Benny Goodman is a jazz musician better known as the "King of Swing". He became a popularizer of jazz among white youth. His appearance marked the beginning of an era. Goodman was a controversial figure. He relentlessly strived for excellence and this was reflected in his approach to music. Goodman was more than just a virtuoso performer—he was a creative clarinetist and innovator of the jazz era that preceded the bebop era.

Charles Mingus 1922 – 1979

Charles Mingus - influential jazz double bassist, composer and leader jazz orchestra. Mingus's music is a mixture of hot and soulful hard bop, gospel, classical music and free jazz. Mingus's ambitious music and menacing temperament earned him the nickname "The Angry Man of Jazz." If he were just a string player, few people would know his name today. He was most likely the greatest double bassist ever, one who always had his fingers on the pulse of the ferocious expressive power of jazz.

Herbie Hancock 1940 –

Herbie Hancock will always be one of the most revered and controversial musicians in jazz - as will his employer/mentor Miles Davis. Unlike Davis, who steadily moved forward and never looked back, Hancock zigzags between almost electronic and acoustic jazz and even r"n"b. Despite his electronic experiments, Hancock's love for the piano continues unabated and his piano playing style continues to evolve into ever more challenging and complex forms.

Currently good jazz music has won sincere fans all over the world. For example, the names of such performers as Louis Armstrong or Frank Sinatra are known even to those who are far from this genre. Despite differences in culture and mentality, age and occupation, people from different countries love to listen to jazz compositions online. Moreover, our compatriots are eager to download for free foreign jazz and even learn songs in foreign language. All this confirms the strength, quality and semantic content of the compositions.

Historical reference