# Sarah Vaughan

> American jazz and classical singer (1924–1990)

**Wikidata**: [Q229513](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q229513)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Vaughan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sarah-vaughan

## Summary
Sarah Vaughan was an American jazz and classical singer (1924–1990) known for her powerful voice and contributions to both genres. She achieved critical acclaim for her interpretations of jazz standards and classical works, earning recognition as one of the greatest vocalists of her time.

## Biography
- Born: March 27, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended New Jersey Performing Arts Center and studied music at various institutions
- Known for: Pioneering jazz and classical singing, blending genres with her powerful voice
- Employer(s): Columbia Records, Mercury Records, Verve Records
- Field(s): Music, singing, performance

## Contributions
Sarah Vaughan's contributions to music include:
- **Albums**: Released iconic albums such as *Sarah Vaughan* (1954), *Sarah Vaughan Sings the Cole Porter Songbook* (1956), and *Sarah Vaughan in Paris* (1956), which showcased her versatility and vocal prowess.
- **Songs**: Performed timeless hits like "Misty," "I'll Remember April," and "The Very Thought of You," which became jazz standards.
- **Genre Blending**: Pioneered the fusion of jazz and classical music, influencing generations of vocalists.
- **Record Labels**: Worked with major labels including Columbia Records, Mercury Records, and Verve Records, shaping the jazz and classical music industry.
- **Legacy**: Established herself as a cultural icon, earning numerous awards and honors, including induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

## FAQs
**What genres did Sarah Vaughan perform in?**
Sarah Vaughan performed in jazz and classical music. Her music blended these genres, creating a distinctive and influential sound that transcended boundaries.

**Which record labels was Sarah Vaughan signed to?**
Sarah Vaughan was signed to Columbia Records, Mercury Records, and Verve Records. These collaborations helped distribute her music globally and achieve commercial success.

**What are some of Sarah Vaughan's most famous songs?**
Some of Sarah Vaughan's most famous songs include "Misty," "I'll Remember April," and "The Very Thought of You." These tracks became jazz standards and showcased her powerful vocal abilities.

**What awards did Sarah Vaughan receive?**
Sarah Vaughan received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was also recognized as a NEA Jazz Master for her contributions to jazz music.

**What was Sarah Vaughan's educational background?**
Sarah Vaughan attended the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and studied music at various institutions. Her education in music laid the foundation for her successful career.

## Why They Matter
Sarah Vaughan matters as a pioneering force in jazz and classical music. Her innovative blend of jazz and classical influences redefined modern vocal performance, inspiring a new generation of musicians. Albums like *Sarah Vaughan* and *Sarah Vaughan Sings the Cole Porter Songbook* became cultural touchstones, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Vaughan's powerful voice and raw emotional delivery made her a global icon, influencing artists across multiple genres. Her legacy is cemented by her induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her influence extended beyond commercial success, shaping the sound of contemporary jazz and classical music.

## Notable For
- Winning the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Pioneering jazz and classical music, blending genres with her powerful voice
- Releasing iconic albums such as *Sarah Vaughan* and *Sarah Vaughan Sings the Cole Porter Songbook*
- Performing timeless hits like "Misty," "I'll Remember April," and "The Very Thought of You"
- Influencing contemporary jazz and classical artists
- Becoming a cultural icon with her powerful vocal abilities
- Receiving induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Being recognized as a NEA Jazz Master for her contributions to jazz music

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Sarah Vaughan was born on March 27, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, United States. She attended the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and studied music at various institutions. Her education in music laid the foundation for her successful career.

### Musical Career and Breakthrough
Sarah Vaughan began her career in the 1940s, performing in jazz and classical venues. She signed her first recording contract with Columbia Records in 1945. Her debut album, *Sarah Vaughan*, was released in 1954. The album received critical acclaim and established her as a rising star in the music industry.

### Genre Innovation and Influence
Sarah Vaughan's music blended jazz and classical music. She pioneered the fusion of jazz and classical, creating a distinctive and influential sound that transcended boundaries. Tracks like "Misty," "I'll Remember April," and "The Very Thought of You" became jazz standards and showcased her powerful vocal abilities.

### Record Labels and Legacy
Sarah Vaughan was signed to Columbia Records, Mercury Records, and Verve Records. These collaborations helped distribute her music globally and achieve commercial success. Her albums and singles, distributed through these labels, topped charts worldwide and earned critical acclaim.

### Awards and Recognition
Sarah Vaughan received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was also recognized as a NEA Jazz Master for her contributions to jazz music. Her influence extended beyond commercial success, shaping the sound of contemporary jazz and classical music.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
Sarah Vaughan's powerful voice and raw emotional delivery made her a global icon. Her legacy is cemented by her induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her music continues to inspire artists across multiple genres, ensuring her lasting impact on the industry.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/item/2023868362/)
2. MusicBrainz
3. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
4. [Source](http://www.biography.com/people/sarah-vaughan-9516405)
5. BnF authorities
6. Integrated Authority File
7. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
8. [Source](https://njhalloffame.org/hall-of-famers/2012-inductees/sarah-vaughan/)
9. Notable Black American Women
10. BlackPast.org
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. CiNii Research
14. Discogs
15. SNAC
16. Find a Grave
17. filmportal.de
18. FemBio database
19. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
20. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
21. Croatian Encyclopedia
22. Munzinger Personen
23. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
24. CONOR.SI
25. BBC Things
26. The Movie Database