Vocal Jazz · Genres
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What is vocal jazz?

Vocal jazz is a popular song style that emerged in the USA in the early 20th century. The primary focus and main "instrument" is the voice, with an emphasis on song-based forms and the intimacy and passion of the lead delivery rather than avant-garde structures and extended instrumental improvisation.

About vocal jazz

The Jazz backing is generally intended to complement the singing and to set the mood to the singer's story.

From Last.fm, where 14,337 listeners have tagged music as vocal jazz.

Artists to start with

  1. Frank Sinatra
  2. Chet Baker
  3. The Ink Spots
  4. Billie Holiday
  5. Natalie Cole
  6. Julie London
  7. Nina Simone
  8. Sarah Vaughan
  9. Jimmy Scott
  10. Melody Gardot

Albums to hear first

  • Chet Baker Sings by Chet BakerChet Baker SingsChet Baker
  • Worrisome Heart by Melody GardotWorrisome HeartMelody Gardot
  • Feels Like Home by Norah JonesFeels Like HomeNorah Jones
  • In the Wee Small Hours by Frank SinatraIn the Wee Small HoursFrank Sinatra
  • De todas las flores by Natalia LafourcadeDe todas las floresNatalia Lafourcade
  • I Put a Spell on You by Nina SimoneI Put a Spell on YouNina Simone
  • My One And Only Thrill by Melody GardotMy One And Only ThrillMelody Gardot
  • As Canções Que Você Fez Pra Mim by Maria BethâniaAs Canções Que Você Fez Pra MimMaria Bethânia

Vocal Jazz songs

  1. I Fall in Love Too Easily by Chet Baker
  2. Do You Want To Know A Secret - Remastered 2009 by The Beatles
  3. You Go To My Head by Billie Holiday
  4. Solitude by Billie Holiday
  5. My Way - 2008 Remastered by Frank Sinatra
  6. If You Are But a Dream by Geordie Greep
  7. I'm in the Mood for Love by Julie London
  8. All Of Me by Billie Holiday
  9. That Old Feeling by Chet Baker
  10. What A Diff'rence A Day Made by Dinah Washington

Vocal Jazz on Risocast

  • Someone New by LaufeySomeone NewLaufey · 2020
  • Send For Me by Catherine RussellSend For MeCatherine Russell · 2022
  • Passion by Regina BellePassionRegina Belle · 1993
  • Chet Is Back by Chet BakerChet Is BackChet Baker · 1962
  • Love And Happiness by Al JarreauLove And HappinessAl Jarreau · 2008
  • Chet Baker Sings: It Could Happen To You [Original Jazz Classics Remasters] (OJC Remaster) by Chet BakerChet Baker Sings: It Could Happen To You [Original Jazz Classics Remasters] (OJC Remaster)Chet Baker · 2010
  • Speak Low by Boz ScaggsSpeak LowBoz Scaggs · 2008
  • My Ideal by Catherine Russell, Sean MasonMy IdealCatherine Russell, Sean Mason · 2024
  • I Fall In Love Too Easily by Chet BakerI Fall In Love Too EasilyChet Baker
  • Everything Happens to Me by Chet BakerEverything Happens to MeChet Baker · 2010
  • You Stepped Out of A Dream by Catherine RussellYou Stepped Out of A DreamCatherine Russell · 2022
  • East of The Sun (and West of The Moon) by Catherine RussellEast of The Sun (and West of The Moon)Catherine Russell · 2022

Neighbouring genres

In the jazz & blues family. All genres

bluescool jazzbossa novaacid jazzblues rockbebopavant-garde jazzdelta blueschicago bluesdark jazzcountry bluesdesert blues

Questions

What is vocal jazz?
Vocal jazz is a popular song style that emerged in the USA in the early 20th century. The primary focus and main "instrument" is the voice, with an emphasis on song-based forms and the intimacy and passion of the lead delivery rather than avant-garde structures and extended instrumental improvisation. The Jazz backing is generally intended to complement the singing and to set the mood to the singer's story.
Who are the best-known vocal jazz artists?
By Last.fm listening: Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, The Ink Spots, Billie Holiday, Natalie Cole and Julie London.
What genres are similar to vocal jazz?
On Risocast it sits with blues, cool jazz, bossa nova, acid jazz, blues rock and bebop.

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Updated 6 October 2026

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