jazz singer

American  

noun

1. a singer whose vocal technique is similar to that of a musical instrument, and whose singing has a strong jazz feeling, chiefly imparted through phrasing, melodic improvisation, and rhythmic subtlety.

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Etymology

Origin of jazz singer

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

jazz singer

Though she’s no conventional jazz singer, it’s no surprise she felt compelled to sing ballads with orchestration, a time-honored formula for so many great jazz vocalists, including her earliest musical obsession, Sarah Vaughan.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

She sang open-throated declarations, recited broken poetic verses, scatted with the authority of a jazz singer, moaned with bluesy intent, and occasionally let loose an unbridled shriek or giggle.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 4, 2026

Diana Ross made an auspicious feature acting debut in this sprawling biopic about the hardships and triumphs of celebrated jazz singer Billie Holiday.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2025

With her electric green eyes, corkscrew hair and husky contralto voice, Dame Cleo became the most recognisable British jazz singer in history.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2025

Sure enough, the famous jazz singer is sitting at the bar.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz