Picture a young girl in Newark, New Jersey, sitting at the family piano, her fingers exploring the keys while her parents fill the house with gospel music. 

That girl was Sarah Vaughan. Born on March 27, 1924, Sarah grew up surrounded by music. Her mother sang in the church choir, and her father played guitar. It was only natural that she found her own voice early on.

As a teenager, Sarah’s love for music led her to sneak into local nightclubs to hear jazz musicians perform. Inspired, she decided to take a chance and enter the famous Amateur Night competition at the Apollo Theater in 1942. With her breathtaking performance, she not only won the contest but also caught the attention of bandleader Billy Eckstine. That night changed everything. 

In this blog, we revisit Vaughn’s most iconic albums, the collaborations that shaped her career, and we unpack why she continues to influence jazz musicians today.  

How Sarah Vaughan Redefined Jazz Vocals

At a time when jazz music was evolving, Sarah Vaughan brought something completely new to the table. She wasn’t just singing melodies; she was shaping them, bending them, and making them her own. Her voice had a richness and warmth that made every song feel like a personal story.

Unlike many singers of her time, she used her voice almost like a musical instrument, effortlessly weaving in and out of notes. Her influence on jazz was undeniable, and her style still inspires vocalists today.

Exploring Sarah Vaughan’s Unique Vocal Style and Technique

What made Sarah Vaughan’s voice so special wasn’t just her range. It was the way she played with sound. She could stretch a note, adding emotion and depth, or improvise like a saxophonist, creating unexpected twists in a melody.

She had a smooth, controlled vibrato that gave her singing a signature sound. Whether she was performing a soft, romantic ballad or a lively jazz standard, her voice carried a sense of ease and confidence. 

Every word she sang felt intentional, every note placed exactly where it needed to be. Her ability to blend classical vocal training with the freedom of jazz made her one of the most technically skilled singers of her time.

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The Most Iconic Sarah Vaughan Albums of All Time

Sarah Vaughan’s voice left its mark on countless recordings, but some albums stand out as true masterpieces. Here are a few of the best Sarah Vaughn songs:

• Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown (1954) – A stunning collaboration with legendary trumpeter Clifford Brown, this album showcases her breathtaking vocal control.

• Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin (1958) – A collection of Gershwin classics, proving that she could make even the most well-known songs sound fresh and new.

• At Mister Kelly’s (1957) – A live recording that captures the magic of her stage presence and flawless performance.

A Closer Look at Sarah Vaughan’s Most Famous Songs

Sarah Vaughan’s music career spanned decades, and along the way, she gave the world some unforgettable songs. 

Sarah Vaughn’s greatest hits

Vaughn is best known for these songs:

• “Tenderly” – A dreamy ballad that showcases her ability to turn a song into pure magic.

• “It’s Magic” – A classic love song that highlights her vocal warmth and control.

• “Make Yourself Comfortable” – Smooth, inviting, and full of charm.

• “Whatever Lola Wants” – A playful, sassy performance that became a chart-topping hit.

• “Broken Hearted Melody” – One of her biggest commercial successes, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard pop charts in 1959.

Her ability to bring emotion to every song made her recordings timeless.

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The Best Sarah Vaughan Albums to Listen to Today

If you’re new to Sarah Vaughan’s music or want to revisit her timeless sound, start with these essential albums: Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown, At Mister Kelly’s, No Count Sarah, Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin, and Sarah Sings Soulfully. :

Each one offers a different side of her artistry, from her flawless technique to her emotional depth.

The Collaborations That Shaped Sarah Vaughan’s Career

Sarah Vaughan’s career was filled with unforgettable collaborations. From working with bebop pioneers like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker to recording with the Count Basie Orchestra, each partnership added something unique to her sound. 

She also teamed up with legendary musicians like Miles Davis and Quincy Jones, further cementing her status as a jazz icon.

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How Sarah Vaughan Influenced Future Generations of Jazz Artists

The impact of Sarah Vaughan’s music can still be heard today. Her fearless approach to improvisation, her unmatched vocal control, and her ability to bring emotion to every song set the standard for jazz vocalists. 

Singers like Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson, and even modern artists outside of jazz continue to draw inspiration from her work.

Celebrating Sarah Vaughan: Awards, Honors, and Achievements

Throughout her career, Sarah Vaughan earned countless awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also recognized as an NEA Jazz Master, one of the highest honors in jazz. 

But beyond the awards, her greatest achievement was the way she changed music forever. Her voice, her artistry, and her influence will continue to inspire generations to come.

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