The female jazz singers of the 1990s made the decade memorable. They changed the mindset of gender discrimination enforced by male critics and performers in the jazz industry.
Some of the best female jazz singers of the 90s were respected and loved not only for their powerful positions in music, but also because they held audiences captive with their unique voices, innovative music, and stage presence.
In this blog, we will discuss a few of the 90s female jazz singers who did the decade justice and are still worth listening to today.
Who Are Three Of The Best Jazz Singers And Composers Of The 1990s?
Although there are far more than three female jazz singers and composers of the 90s worth speaking about, we’ve narrowed the list down to those we believe to be the best of the best.
Canadian singer and pianist Diana Krall is an artist that jazz listeners know and love. Surprisingly, Diana Krall’s dreams did not always lie in music; she initially wanted to become an astronaut. But fans are glad she chose music. Her career as a jazz musician started in the 1990s, and she became a prominent figure in the genre during this decade. She has won five Grammy Awards so far.
While influenced by Nat King Cole, she initially focused on developing her skills as a pianist. Her hard work paid off, and her success as a singer eventually garnered significant recognition. Despite some critics attributing her success to her conventional attractiveness, talent, skill, and impact, many fans have proven her critics wrong.
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- Rene Rosnes
Another Canadian artist who made her mark in the 1990s as a jazz musician is Renee Rosnes. Known primarily as a pianist rather than a singer, she released numerous acclaimed albums during this period. Her album “New Moon,” released in 1990, showcases her talent and contribution to the jazz genre.
Rosnes began her career collaborating with renowned veterans in the jazz industry, such as Joe Henderson, James Moody, and J.J. Johnson. She has since established herself as one of the most iconic jazz musicians of her time, and her songs have been well-received by most fans of the genre.
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- Maria Schneider
Maria Schneider was a protégé of Gil Evans and is a multi-Grammy-winning composer and bandleader. She is known for her strong activism for giving musicians a voice and ensuring they receive appropriate pay, particularly in the 21st century, as the music landscape often undervalues fair compensation for artists.
Schneider’s advocacy for musicians’ rights and her success as a composer and bandleader have distinguished her in the jazz world. Although she is primarily known for her work as a composer and bandleader, she is also a phenomenal singer. Her influence and contributions to jazz are significant, which is why some recognize her as one of the top female jazz singers of the 1990s.
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The Wrap-Up on The Best Female Jazz Singers in the 1990s
Without the iconic female jazz singers of the 1990s, the genre and its evolution would not be what it is today. These powerful women transformed their decade and shaped the future of jazz and other musical genres. They provided young women and aspiring musicians with role models to look up to.
These 1990s powerhouses influenced modern-day artists like Sharon Marie Cline. So, if you want to listen to someone who drew inspiration from these legends, you should listen to a few of her albums.
