Class 2b (Jimmy Smith and Vocalists)

Why did the Golden Age for singers occur?

1. A large number of gifted vocalists who had apprenticed with big bands were becoming independent stars, and the returning servicemen who were used to hearing big band singers served as an automatic audience.

2. Singers had access to the many songs being written for theater, movies, and TV, as well as the established standard repertory written from the 20s-50s.

3. The 45-rpm provided a good opportunity for singers to pump out hit singles, and the 33-rpm allowed singers to attract more mature audiences.

4. The rise of TV shows necessitated the involvement of talented entertainers, making singers the perfect candidate, helping to boost their career.

Can mention any singers discussed as well and how they demonstrated any of these factors.

Jimmy Smith

A piano player who was known for his virtuosity on the Hammond B3 Organ which set a precedent for jazz organists.

Jimmy Smith had originally played with local R&B bands, until he heard Wild Bill Davis play the Hammond B3 organ and became infatuated. He eventually mastered the ability to play complete bass lines with his feet while simultaneously playing melody lines with his right hand and chords or drones with his left.

His ability made the organ trio with guitar and drums a perfect combination.

He became popular and influential as a jazz-R&B fusion artist and helped sustain interest for jazz in black communities.

Frank Sinatra

A universally admired singer in jazz, respected by many.

Sound was shaped by Bing Crosby and Billie Holiday, first established himself as the “Boy Singer” in Tommy Dorsey and Harry James’s big bands. He was known for being an excellent ballad singer, and eventually formed his own career, earning a radio show and film debuts.

Had to reinvent self since resented for not serving, eventually able to restart film career and earn an academy award for From Here to Eternity. He also began focusing on up-tempo swing numbers backed by large ensembles, and recorded concept album LPs. While some labelled his rhythm as “a businessman’s bounce,” his ability to embellish the melody and emphasize the lyrics through phrasing made him extremely credible.

Nat King Cole

A skilled jazz pianist who sang on the side, but later became better-known as a vocalist and entertainer.

“Straighten Up and Fly Right” was the first hit that helped him achieve commercial success, but became most popular after the war when he began recording more ballads and the especially popular “The Christmas song.”

His popularity and talent was so great that he was offered his own TV show, but spoke out against one of the sponsors who had withdrew their support in saying “Revlon is afraid of the dark.”

Sarah Vaughan

A jazz singer who had a far reach into the mainstream for her admired voice and was known as “the Divine One” or “Sassy.”

She had an ability to scat sing with incredible timing and inventiveness. She also had a 4 octave range, great intonation, and was able to nail ambitious embellishments that were typically exclusive to instrumentalists.

She took advantage of a broad repertory of songs, and despite having trouble singing her own music due to her label, was later able to establish some of her best work in jazz-pop fusion.