An in-depth look at the greatest performers who have influenced the history of jazz. Presented by host Nancy Wilson.
Gerry Mulligan: Intricacy in a Lower Register
April 16, 2008 - Arguably the most influential baritone saxophonist in jazz history, Mulligan developed the big horn into a solo instrument and helped engineer the sound that came to be known as "cool jazz."
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Bud Powell: Bebop Pianism
April 9, 2008
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Admired by his peers as an adventurous original who forged a style of unrivaled virtuosity, Powell is still remembered for redrawing the course of modern jazz piano by pioneering bebop improvisation at the keyboard.
Benny Waters: Innovation in Longevity
April 2, 2008
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As a clarinetist, saxophonist, vocalist, composer, and arranger, Waters enjoyed a career spanning eight decades. His playing continuously evolved, ultimately reflecting elements from the entire history of jazz.
Sarah Vaughan: Vocal Virtuosity
March 26, 2008
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Sarah Vaughan was affectionately known as both "Sassy" and "The Divine One," nicknames that reflect the extraordinarily wide range of expression she achieved in her singing.
Zoot Sims: 'Brother' of Swing
March 19, 2008
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From the start, the tenor saxophonist fashioned his seemingly effortless sound from the music of early sax masters, then refined that sound through years of playing with some of jazz's greatest bandleaders and soloists.
Hoagy Carmichael: 'Stardust Melodies'
March 12, 2008
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With a laid-back, familiar style, the composer, pianist and singer created popular hits for decades — and logged numerous entries into the great American songbook. When asked about his tuneful gift, he credited his early roots in jazz.
Louis Jordan: 'Jukebox King'
March 4, 2008
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One of the most popular and successful bandleaders of his day, the saxophonist and singer broke from the mainstream jazz of the Swing Era, producing hard-driving chart toppers and becoming a founding father of rhythm & blues.
Bill Evans: 'Piano Impressionism'
February 27, 2008
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Evans' introspective lyricism and subtle, Western classical flourishes have echoes in a legion of fellow keyboard players. As a leader and composer, he introduced an influential, highly interactive approach to trio and small-group performances.
Gene Ammons: 'The Jug'
February 20, 2008
Tenor saxophonist Gene Ammons had an ability to infuse originals and standards with preachy yet elegant clouds of sound. His immense talents helped the Chicago native shape the sounds of soul, jazz, and R&B.
Nat King Cole: 'The Singer'
February 13, 2008
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Nat King Cole emerged in the late 1930s as an elegant piano stylist and leader of his influential working trio. But his greatest fame began when he took up a microphone to sing, and soon became a consummate and world-renowned entertainer.
Nat King Cole: 'The Pianist'
February 6, 2008
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One of America's most identifiable and beloved musicians, Cole possessed a silken voice that helped jazz gain wider appeal. But he was also an elegant keyboard player whose innovative groups popularized the jazz piano trio.
Oscar Pettiford: Bass Beyond Bop
January 30, 2008
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Oscar Pettiford, a virtuoso bassist and composer who doubled on cello, first emerged as a virtuoso performer during the bebop moment. He would remain one of the most highly sought-after jazz musicians throughout his too-short career.
Jazz in Song: The Standard
January 23, 2008
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Jazz has always thrived on a bedrock of popular songs — tunes drawn from the blues and bossa nova, from Tin Pan Alley and rock, from Broadway and R&B. Over time, certain songs have the strength and popularity to become standards.
Jazz in Song: The Singing Instrumentalists
January 16, 2008
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Many jazz horn players cite vocalists as their main influences, while many vocalists draw inspiration from feisty instrumentalists. Some of the most heralded jazz artists can display lyricism both on their instruments and in their voices.
Jazz in Song: The Words
January 9, 2008
The popularity of jazz in its golden age owes much to the great American songbook — to the great lyricists who set poetry to rhythm, and to the interpreters who created their individual takes on those words.
NPR's 'Jazz Profiles' : NPR Music
