Artist Profile, A “Sassy” Centenary of Sarah Vaughan

Sarah Vaughan's voice combined technical prowess with deep emotional expressiveness, making her a beloved figure in jazz and a major influence on future generations of singers. Her voice spanned over three octaves, allowing her to sing both low, rich contralto notes and high, soaring soprano lines. She could effortlessly transition between her chest voice and head voice, making her performances fluid and seamless. This flexibility allowed her to navigate complex melodies and improvise with ease.

In celebration of her 100th anniversary, various concerts and events are being organised worldwide, including this weekend’s concert at the BBC Proms in London. These tributes feature contemporary jazz musicians and vocalists performing Vaughan's music, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire new audiences.

Sarah Lois Vaughan was born on 27th March, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey. She grew up in a musical family, with her mother being a laundress and church singer and her father, a carpenter who played guitar and piano. Vaughan started piano lessons at the age of seven and sang in the church choir, laying the foundation for her musical career.

Vaughan's big break came in 1942 when she won first prize at the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night in Harlem at the age of 18. This victory led to her being noticed by bandleader Earl Hines. Vaughan joined Hines' big band as a pianist and vocalist. This experience provided her with valuable exposure, allowing her to tour and develop her style. She later joined Billy Eckstine's band, where she performed alongside future bebop innovators Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.

Vaughan made her first recordings as a leader with Guild Records, producing hits like ‘Lover Man’ and ‘East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)’. These early recordings showcased her unique voice and improvisational skills. Vaughan signed with Columbia Records in 1948 and released a string of successful singles, including ‘It's Magic’, ‘Black Coffee’ and ‘Nature Boy’. Her work during this period helped solidify her reputation as a leading jazz vocalist. Vaughan's move to Mercury Records in 1954 allowed her to explore more jazz-oriented material. Her recordings from this period, such as Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown (1955), are considered some of her finest work.

Vaughan won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female, for her album Gershwin Live! (1982). This recognition highlighted her enduring talent and contribution to jazz music. In 1989, she received the NEA Jazz Masters Award, the genre’s highest honour in the United States, recognising her lifelong achievements and influence. Vaughan continued to perform and record throughout the 1980s. Vaughan passed away on 3rd April, 1990, at the age of 66, from lung cancer. Her death marked the end of an era, but her music and influence continue to inspire. Since her passing, Vaughan has been honoured with numerous posthumous awards and tributes, including an induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the naming of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in her memory.

Lizz Wright

Speaking to Jazzwise earlier this year, the American vocalist said “There were so many challenging times around her, but when she sang, that’s the real world that she had going on inside and we were in it.” Now, the American jazz and gospel star joins us for a fitting tribute to one of her greatest influences. 

Marisha Wallace

A twice-nominated Olivier Award star of the West End stage, Wallace broke out with her performances in hit musicals such as Dream Girls, Waitress! and Hairspray. It will be fascinating witnessing her talents translate within the setting of London’s most famous yearly music festival.

Lucy-Anne Daniels

The newcomer and NYJO-alumna is beginning to blossom on the national stage with an enviable confidence. Originally hailing from Leeds, and having recently studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire, we expect she’ll leap at the chance of representing one of her jazz idols.                                                                                      

Sarah Vaughan - If You Could See Me Now takes place at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 28th July at 7.30pm and will be televised shortly afterwards on BBC Four.