Women of Jazz

The unforgettable sound of Sarah Vaughan is captured in this collection of essential recordings. From the swinging hits, "Lullaby Of Birdland" and "It's Crazy", to her best-loved recordings, including "Misty" and "Broken-Hearted Melody", this album highlights Vaughan's impeccable phrasing, emotional depth and remarkable range. Whether backed by a trio or a full orchestra, singing hits of the day or jazz standards, every track serves to remind us why Sarah Vaughan is still known as 'The Divine One'.

Verve Records releases the latest editions in its breakout Great Women of Song series, which pays homage to the ground-breaking work and lasting impact of some of the greatest female vocalists of all time. Known internationally as “The First Lady of Song”, Ella Fitzgerald was also, importantly, the first lady of Verve Records—the label that was essentially created for her by her manager and the label’s founder, Norman Granz. This collection brings together Ella’s most cherished recordings in the company of American music’s greatest performers and composers—Louis Armstrong, George & Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern, among many others.

It's great to see -in perspective- how Olivia Newton-John has proved to be a great, skillful singer with the capacity to cover a wide range of different musical styles from pop/country to jazz and new age. This album of covers, produced by Phil Ramone, is a good example of the amazing voice and musical charisma of Olivia Newton-John. It's a tribute album so she, wisely, has not tried to overshadow any of the singers she's honoring but what she does is amazing, she makes the songs believable, touching and beautiful in her own way and style.

Noted for a distinctive voice, a tender way with a ballad and a fierce sense of swing, singer-pianist Blossom Dearie invested even the most familiar standards with her delightful, one-of-a-kind wit and charm. The selections included here on Verve's Great Women of Song Series are from the iconic series of albums Dearie made for Verve Records beginning in 1956. Tracks include "'Deed I Do," "Love Is Here To Stay," "Someone To Watch Over Me" and other favorites.

The timeless artistry of Billie Holiday is something that every generation gets to discover for themselves. The iconic songs on this collection showcase Holiday's unique ability to infuse every lyric with unparalleled emotion and depth. With her distinctive voice and incomparable phrasing, Holiday remains an enduring performer and a powerful influence on generations of musicians. Great Women Of Song is a testament to Holiday's profound legacy and an essential addition to any music collection.

Throughout her career, Nina’s music has inspired audiences of all ages, races, and nationalities. In recent years, social media savvy youth have taken a particular interest in the works of Miss Simone. From the evergreen, feel good track aptly named "Feeling Good" to the mysteriously romantic remake of "I Put A Spell On You" and so many more, Nina’s music is being used in everything from major brand commercials to the everyday user on social networks to convey a feeling and a mood.

With her cool, expressive singing style and carefully crafted song selection, Helen Merrill has secured a special place in the hearts of fans and other musicians. From intimate ballads to full-band swingers, this collection, drawn from her 1950s Verve recordings, provides a solid showcase for her emotional, sensual vocal performances.