Sarah Vaughan

Description

Sarah Vaughan was a legendary American jazz vocalist, pianist and composer. She achieved international fame for her sophisticated, soulful and emotive interpretations of jazz standards and popular tunes. Her career spanned over five decades and she won four Grammy Awards. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Sarah Vaughan began singing in church as a child. She studied piano and music theory at Newark’s Shiloh Baptist Church, and also studied music with a local vocal coach. In 1942, she won a talent contest at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. This win helped launch her career.

During the 1940s, Vaughan performed with several big bands and her first recording session took place in 1947. She received her first major label record deal with Columbia Records in 1950. From there, she went on to record dozens of albums, which showcased her extraordinary range and talent. Her albums included collaborations with jazz greats such as Count Basie and Oscar Peterson. Vaughan’s popularity grew and she was a regular performer at jazz clubs and festivals, and even scored a few television appearances. She won her first Grammy Award in 1959 for her album “Swingin’ Easy.” She won a further three Grammy Awards in later years for her albums “Brazilian Romance,” “After Hours” and “Send In the Clowns.”

Sarah Vaughan’s influence continues to be felt. She was one of the first female singers to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. Her music and style has been cited as an influence by a number of contemporary jazz vocalists. She has also been recognized as one of the most influential jazz vocalists of all time. Sarah Vaughan died in 1990, but her legacy and contribution to jazz will live on forever.