Ella was a great jazz singer as was sarah vaughn. In a big band format Ella was IMHO better as she always sang in her head voice and could really swing. In small groups I prefer sarah as she sang from her chest and throat which is really great to listen to with a scotch in hand. Ella was NOT a blues singer period. Sara was a pianist and a stylist and had more in common with bop and harmonics than she did the blues. Billie Holiday sang ( stylized - whatever) from a sense of the deep blues which is why she shines with people like lester young etc. IMHO these three represent the cream of the crop of three different schools : swing, bop, and blues. The divisions are not clear cut but they are meaningful. - Jim
Best jazz or blues female vocalist ever
Hello, I'm looking for some recommendations for a female vocalist (blues or jazz) from before about 1965. I think that Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday are contenders for "best". Could I get some recommendations of vocalists? Also, what works would you say is their best effort? Thanks in advance.