Sarah Vaughan

Sarah Vaughan (Sarah Lois Vaughan), 1924-90, American jazz singer, b. Newark, N.J. Nicknamed "Sassie," she studied piano and organ, began singing in her church choir, and won (1942) the famous amateur contest at Harlem's Apollo Theater. Subsequently, she sang with bands led by Earl "Fatha" Hines , Billy Eckstine, and John Kirby. During this period she was also associated with Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker , learning much from their bop horn stylings. From 1947 on, Vaughan worked as a soloist, becoming one of jazz's finest vocalists. An alto who moved easily from honeyed to harsh, she had a huge range and a finely controlled vibrato, and was acclaimed for her performance of such songs as "Lover Man," "It's Magic," and "Misty." An active recording artist from the mid-1940s on, she frequently (1950s-80s) toured the United States and Europe.

Bibliography: See biographies by L. Gourse (1993) and M. Ruuth (1994); discography by D. Brown (1991).

Vaughan, Sarah (1924–90) US singer. Vaughan's operatic style contrasted with the naturalism of Ella Fitzgerald. Her early work with Billy Eckstine led to the recording of “Lover Man” with Dizzy Gillespie. Often with full orchestral accompaniment, Vaughan sang with the bands of Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Albums include After Hours (1961).