What is the best vocal jazz album of all time?

The greatest jazz voices turned pop songs into emotional masterpieces — Ella's flawless technique, Billie's heartbreaking phrasing, Sarah's operatic range. Which vocal album is the definitive jazz singing record?

1

Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook

Ella Fitzgerald's 1956 masterpiece — the first and finest of her Songbook series.

2

In the Wee Small Hours

Frank Sinatra's 1955 ballad album — arguably the first true concept album.

3

Lady in Satin

Billie Holiday's 1958 late-career album — heartbreaking, raw, unforgettable.

4

Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown

Sarah Vaughan's 1954 date with the trumpet master — vocal jazz at its most elegant.

5

Little Girl Blue

Nina Simone's 1958 Bethlehem debut — a stunning introduction to her genius.

6

Chet Baker Sings

Chet Baker's 1954 whispered vocal debut — melancholic and hypnotic.

7

Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans's 1975 duet album — piano and voice, intimate as can be.

8

Cassandra Wilson - Blue Light 'Til Dawn

Cassandra Wilson's 1993 Blue Note debut — contemporary vocal jazz reimagined.

9

Nat King Cole - After Midnight

Nat King Cole's 1957 jazz trio album — the singer returning to his pianist roots.

10

Carmen McRae - Carmen Sings Monk

Carmen McRae's 1990 album of Monk tunes with lyrics — late-career triumph.

11

Shirley Horn - Close Enough for Love

Shirley Horn's 1988 Verve comeback — unhurried, intimate vocal jazz mastery.

12

Abbey Lincoln - A Turtle's Dream

Abbey Lincoln's 1994 Verve album — vocal jazz with political fire and poetry.

13

Mark Murphy - Rah

Mark Murphy's 1961 Riverside album — one of vocalese's essential documents.