An in-depth look at the greatest performers who have influenced the history of jazz. Presented by host Nancy Wilson.
In this Series
July 16, 2008 - One of many hard-bop giants to emerge from Detroit, the pianist brought his sensitive touch to some of jazz's most memorable records (and much of Ella Fitzgerald's late period) before launching his own career as a leader.
She cut her teeth as a trombonist in the big bands of Gerald Wilson and Dizzy Gillespie. She scored classic records for everyone from Marvin Gaye to Randy Weston. And, against the odds, she made it as a woman in jazz.
During a career more than five decades long, "Spoon" brought a strong dose of blues to many of the jazz world's finest bands. With his full, powerful baritone delivery, he was one of the best of the "blues shouters."
After years of playing with Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, the saxophonist emerged as a jazz virtuoso by the end of the 1950s. But it was the restless exploration to follow that made him a pioneer of American music.
The most influential jazz musician after bebop, the tenor saxophonist nurtured a career marked by rapid growth in improvisational technique and ideas. By the late 1950s, he had already produced his first masterpieces.
The pianist was well-known for his flamboyant behavior, ever-present cigar, and trademark derby hat. But in front of the keys, he was also a leading purveyor of the ragtime-based style called Harlem Stride.
In the 1940s, the bandleader found himself staring at the impending decline of the Swing Era. But the sophisticated groups he put together in the years to come started a musical renaissance which helped confirm his place in jazz history.
Its conception unique, its talent unmatched, no group ever swung harder than the Basie big band of the 1930s and early '40s. It transformed its leader from Bill Basie, journeyman pianist, into Count Basie, American folk hero.
From humble beginnings at the turn of the century, the pianist and bandleader rose to become an American success story. By 1935, Count Basie had passed through Harlem and arrived in Kansas City, primed to take his place among jazz royalty.
One of the most creative arrangers in jazz history, the composer and bandleader continuously developed new musical textures — including many heralded collaborations with Miles Davis — during a career of more than half a century.
Through hit recordings and a busy nationwide touring schedule, the singer gave the blues a raw, regal poignancy — and marketability. Her feverish growls and impassioned delivery informed nearly all African American music.
By 1956, Mingus was known as an exceptional bass player and a budding composer. The ferocious burst of creative energy yet to come established him as one of the greatest minds in jazz history.
A prolific writer of extraordinarily innovative, highly personal music, as well as an influential leader, the powerful bassist brought a fiery virtuosity to hundreds of original compositions.
Arguably the most influential baritone saxophonist in jazz history, Mulligan developed the big horn into a solo instrument and helped engineer the sound that came to be known as "cool jazz."
Admired by his peers as an adventurous original who forged a style of unrivaled virtuosity, Powell is still remembered for redrawing the course of modern jazz piano by pioneering bebop improvisation at the keyboard.
