In the month dedicated to Jazz, we celebrate the women who made it what it is today. In a genre dominated by men, these women are part of a minority that, although small, has conquered the world and the hearts of young people getting their start in the world of jazz.
Timeless, bold and very talented, these women have dedicated their lives to this art. In addition to being jazz icons, they have inspired and continue to inspire us with their fierceness, as well as with their lyrics, which are both unforgettable and so very true.
This is our top 10.
1) Ella Fitzgerald
Considered the greatest singer of the 20th century, Ella, despite her great shyness, conquered Hollywood and jazz. "The First Lady of Song" had a voice that reached 3 octaves, something that is rarely achieved. Ella Fitzgerald was the first African-American woman to win a Grammy.
2) Nina Simone
In addition to being known for her voice across the globe, Nina Simone dedicated her life to fighting for the civil rights of black Americans. Nina Simone was nominated 15 times for the Grammys. Today, Rihanna, Jay-Z and Kanye West revisit and reinterpret her songs and excerpts from them.
3) Billie Holiday
Billie was one of the first black women to sing with a white band in the 1930s, a time known for strong racial segregation in the United States. A natural improviser who always wore gardenias in her hair, in 2011 Billie was honored by the National Women's Hall of Fame.
4) Carmen McRae
Carmen, a singer and pianist, became world renowned for her complex and innovative improvisations, as well as for her unique style. Carmen received the NAACP Image Award and a National Endowment of Honor for the Jazz Arts.
5) Peggy Lee
In addition to a unique voice, Peggy Lee dedicated her life not only to jazz, but also to the movies, where she became an excellent actress. She also wrote more than 650 songs, including some soundtracks for big Hollywood productions, and recorded concept albums that combined music with poetry.
6) Sarah Vaughan
Sarah won the NEA Jazz Masters, the world's most prestigious jazz award. She was also invited to perform at the White House and in huge venues such as Carnegie Hall. She was awarded a Grammy in 1989; has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is part of the Jazz Hall of Fame.
7) Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse won over the public with her irreverent style and unmistakable voice, and is considered one of the most powerful voices of the 21st century.
8) Dinah Washington
"Queen of the Blues", pianist and singer, in love with shoes, Dinah Washington was considered one of the most influential women in music in the 1950s.
9) Bessie Smith
Considered one of the greatest jazz singers of the 1920s and distinguished as the Empress of the Blues, Bessie is one of the women who most influenced the history of jazz. Bessie sang about independence, audacity, and sexual freedom, defending that working women shouldn’t have to change their behavior in order to get the respect they deserved.
10) Toshiko Akiyoshi
Toshiko, of Chinese origin, received 14 Grammy nominations, and was the first woman to win the Best Arranger and Composer award attributed by DownBeat magazine.
