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. 1
   Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook

   Ella Fitzgerald's 1956 masterpiece — the first and finest of her Songbook series.
2. 2
   In the Wee Small Hours

   Frank Sinatra's 1955 ballad album — arguably the first true concept album.
3. 3
   Lady in Satin

   Billie Holiday's 1958 late-career album — heartbreaking, raw, unforgettable.
4. 4
   Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown

   Sarah Vaughan's 1954 date with the trumpet master — vocal jazz at its most elegant.
5. 5
   Little Girl Blue

   Nina Simone's 1958 Bethlehem debut — a stunning introduction to her genius.
6. 6
   Chet Baker Sings

   Chet Baker's 1954 whispered vocal debut — melancholic and hypnotic.
7. 7
   Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album

   Tony Bennett and Bill Evans's 1975 duet album — piano and voice, intimate as can be.
8. 8
   Cassandra Wilson - Blue Light 'Til Dawn

   Cassandra Wilson's 1993 Blue Note debut — contemporary vocal jazz reimagined.
9. 9
   Nat King Cole - After Midnight

   Nat King Cole's 1957 jazz trio album — the singer returning to his pianist roots.
10. 10
    Carmen McRae - Carmen Sings Monk

    Carmen McRae's 1990 album of Monk tunes with lyrics — late-career triumph.
11. 11
    Shirley Horn - Close Enough for Love

    Shirley Horn's 1988 Verve comeback — unhurried, intimate vocal jazz mastery.
12. 12
    Abbey Lincoln - A Turtle's Dream

    Abbey Lincoln's 1994 Verve album — vocal jazz with political fire and poetry.
13. 13
    Mark Murphy - Rah

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