Louis Armstrong was a trumpeter, bandleader, singer, soloist, film star and comedian. Considered one of the most influential artists in jazz history, he is known for songs like "Star Dust," "La Via En Rose" and "What a Wonderful World."
1901-1971
1929-1988
Josephine Baker was a dancer and singer who became wildly popular in France during the 1920s. She also devoted much of her life to fighting racism.
1906-1975
Considered one of history's most influential jazz musicians, Count Basie was known for his piano style and command of big bands such as the Count Basie Orchestra, and for songs like "Jumpin' at the Woodside," "Taxi War Dance" and "Miss Thing."
1904-1984
Dave Brubeck was an American jazz pianist and composer known for his unconventional meters, as well as songs like "In Your Own Sweet Way" and "The Duke."
1920-2012
Ray Charles was a pioneer of soul music, integrating R&B, gospel, pop and country to creat hits like "Unchain My Heart," "Hit the Road Jack" and "Georgia on My Mind." A blind genius, he is considered one of the greatest artists of all time.
1930-2004
1930-
John Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist, bandleader and composer, and is an iconic figure of 20th century jazz.
1926-1967
Nine-time Grammy Award winner Miles Davis was a major force in the jazz world, as both a trumpet player and a bandleader.
1926-1991
An originator of big-band jazz, Duke Ellington was an American composer, pianist and bandleader who composed thousands of scores over his 50-year career.
1899-1974
1929-1980
Ella Fitzgerald, known as the "First Lady of Song" and "Lady Ella," was an American jazz and song vocalist who interpreted much of the Great American Songbook.
1917-1996
Stan Getz was an American jazz saxophonist best known for his popularization of the bossa nova sound.
1927-1991
A jazz trumpeter and composer, Dizzy Gillespie played with Charlie Parker and developed the music known as "bebop." His best-known compositions include "Oop Bob Sh' Bam," "Groovin' High," "Salt Peanuts" and "A Night in Tunisia."
1917-1993
1923-1990
1940-
Coleman Hawkins was an influential tenor saxophone player and one of the first prominent jazz musicians to be known for the instrument.
1904-1969
Billie Holiday was one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. She had a thriving career for many years before she lost her battle with addiction.
1915-1959
Viewed as the "King of Ragtime," Scott Joplin was the foremost composer of the genre in the early 20th century, known for works like "The Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Entertainer."
1868-1917
1922-1979
Thelonious Monk is one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time and one of first creators of modern jazz.
1917-1982
1923-1968
Jelly Roll Morton was an American pianist and songwriter best known for influencing the formation of modern day jazz during the 1920s.
1890-1941
Charlie Parker was a legendary Grammy Award–winning jazz saxophonist who with Dizzy Gillespie invented the musical style called bop or bebop.
1920-1955
Max Roach was a jazz drummer and pioneer of the bebop style.
1924-2007
Sonny Rollins is a jazz saxophonist and composer associated with the "hard bop" movement.
1930-
1933-2003
Jazz and blues vocalist Bessie Smith's powerful, soulful voice won her countless fans and earned her the title "Empress of the Blues."
1894-1937
1909-1959