Currently active singers:
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Jazz Appreciation Month: Vocalists
Jazz began as an instrumental form, with the combos of New Orleans jazz. During the Swing Era some big bands moved from being primarily instrumental dance bands to bands that backed vocalists, drawing from the popular song traditions of Tin Pan Alley. This became more common during World War II, as radio entertained the troops (who of course might not be dancing). The band was still usually named for the instrumentalist who led the band, and several singers might perform with the band. A few of the singers who fronted these bands became stars in their own right, continuing to sing after Big Bands died out: Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Mel Tormé, Rosemary Clooney, Carmen McRae, Anita O'Day, Pearl Bailey, and Doris Day.