Famous Jazz Musicians

Jazz music is characterized by its liveliness accompanied by strong and complex rhythm. It originated during the early years of 20th century in the African-American communities. Instruments like the saxophone, piano, trumpet and the clarinet are typically used in jazz music. The jazz music industry hosts many famous jazz musicians. Let us look at some of those prominent names in jazz music.

Famous Jazz Musicians

Louis Armstrong: He was an American jazz trumpeter and singer, born on August 4, 1901. He was born in a poor family and had to spend his youth in poverty. His father abandoned the family when Louis was a kid. He attended the Fisk School of Boys where he was exposed to Creole music, a form of American folk music that evolved in the 1800s. To make a living, Louis took up to make money by serving as a paperboy and also by selling food to restaurants. His mother had to take up prostitution. Louis dropped out of school at the age of 11 and joined a group of boys who sang on the streets to make money.

Soon he started developing his cornet playing. Professor Peter Davis provided musical training to Armstrong. Soon, Armstrong's skills began to mature. He continued learning from the music of the senior musicians of his time. He began performing in solos and as a part of various bands. He made several recordings and appeared in many films. "Hello Dolly!" was on of his best-selling records. Stardust, What a Wonderful World, Dream a Little Dream of Me were just a few of his many famous records. Along with the playing of horn and jazz during his early years, his pebbly voice became a rage in the music lovers. He died in 1971, but remains to be one of the most prominent American musicians.

Ella Fitzgerald: Born on April 25, 1917, Ella Fitzgerald was also known as Lady Ella. When young, she wanted to become a dancer and also enjoyed listening to jazz music. She lost her mother in 1932 after which she saw a downfall in life. Her school grades declined, she got into trouble with police for which she was sent to a reformatory, she escaped and was homeless. She rose from her trauma to make a singing debut in 1934. In 1935, she performed with the Tiny Bradshaw band. She soon joined the Webb's Orchestra, recorded many hit numbers. She began with an independent career in 1942. Her role in the film, Pete Kelly's Blues, was one of her notable performances. She passed away in 1996 but is still remembered for her purity of tone, a voice range spanning three octaves and her scat singing. She is among the very famous jazz vocalists of the 20th century.

Freddie Hubbard: He was born on April 7, 1938. He started playing mellophone and trumpet in his school band. In 1958, he moved to New York and started playing with some famous jazz players like Philly Jones, J.J. Johnson and others. In 1960, he came up with his first record as a leader, Open Sesame. In 1961, he made his renowned record, "Ready for Freddie". His works of the 1970s like "Red Clay", "Sky Dive" and others are considered as some of his best works. It was during the same period that Hubbard earned recognition as one of the biggest stars. He is famous for the bebop, hard pop and post pop styles. He has been awarded the NEA Jazz Masters Award, the highest honor in jazz. He is one of the very well-known American trumpeters of the day.

Charlie Parker: Born on August 29, 1920, Charles Parker is one of the most prominent figures in jazz music. As a child he showed no talent in music. His father was a pianist, dancer and singer. Parker drew inspiration from a young trombone player who trained him in the basic techniques of improvisation. Parker began playing the saxophone and soon joined his school band. His career soon took speed and he became popular among the music lovers. He earned recognition as a jazz saxophonist and a composer. He was instrumental in the development of bebop, which is a jazz form qualified by a fast tempo, virtuoso technique and improvisation. His songs have set standards. He is also an iconic figure of the hipster subculture. His death in 1955 meant the loss of one of the most influential people in the field of jazz music.

Sarah Vaughan: She was born on March 27, 1924. At a young age of seven, Sarah started taking piano lessons and used to sing in the church choir. She took keen interest in music since childhood. She soon started performing in various clubs. She was an excellent pianist and a gifted singer. She holds the record of being a three-time Grammy Award winner. In 1989, she received the NEA Jazz Masters Award. During the same year, she began keeping unwell. She was diagnosed with lung cancer. She expired on April 3, 1990 while watching a television movie that featured her daughter. She is remembered for her mellifluous voice and is a notable figure in jazz music.