Famous British Jazz Singers

Sade Adu is a Nigerian-born British singer known for her role as the lead vocalist of the band Sade. She gained recognition in the early 1980s as a performer and fashion designer before forming the band. Their debut album, Diamond Life, became a best-selling record, showcasing her unique style. Over the years, the band released several successful albums, with a hiatus in the late 1990s. Sade's music evolved, incorporating mellow sounds, and the band continues to produce music, contributing to soundtracks for various films.

Tony Hadley is an English pop singer who gained fame in the 1980s as the lead vocalist of the new wave band Spandau Ballet. Following the group's split in 1990, he embarked on a successful solo career. Hadley later reunited with Spandau Ballet in 2009 before departing once more in 2017. He is renowned for his expressive voice and impressive vocal range, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Helen Shapiro is a British pop and jazz singer and actress who rose to fame in the early 1960s as one of Britain's most successful female singers. Known for her mature voice beyond her years, Shapiro achieved chart-topping success with hits like "You Don't Know" and "Walkin' Back to Happiness" at a young age. She continued her success with singles like "Tell Me What He Said" and appearances in films. Shapiro later expanded her career to include musical theatre and jazz performances, collaborating with notable musicians like Humphrey Lyttelton.

David Knopfler is a British musician known for his role as a rhythm guitarist in the rock band Dire Straits, which he co-founded in 1977. He later pursued a solo career as a recording artist, establishing various record labels, publishing companies, and indie labels. Knopfler's professional journey includes significant contributions to the music industry through his work with Dire Straits and his solo projects, showcasing his talent and versatility as a musician and entrepreneur.

Elkie Brooks is an English rock, blues, and jazz singer known for her successful career as both a band vocalist and solo artist. She was a member of bands Dada and Vinegar Joe before embarking on a solo career. Brooks achieved significant commercial success in the late 1970s and 1980s with several UK Top 75 singles, including hits like "Pearl's a Singer," "Sunshine After the Rain," and "No More the Fool." She has been recognized for her contributions to music, winning the Gold Badge Award of Merit from BASCA and earning the title of the "British Queen of Blues."

Samantha Brown is an accomplished English singer, songwriter, and musician known for her blue-eyed soul and jazz style. She gained popularity in the late 1980s as a solo artist, achieving success with multiple singles on the UK Singles Chart. In addition to her solo work, Brown has worked as a session backing vocalist for various renowned artists. With a discography that includes numerous studio albums, live recordings, and collaborations, she has established herself as a versatile and respected figure in the music industry.

Annie Ross was a British-American singer and actress renowned for her contribution to jazz music as a member of the trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. She is credited with pioneering the vocalese style of jazz singing, characterized by a dreamy yet watchful quality. Recognized for her talent, Ross was honored as a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2010. Noted for her captivating performances, she was described by critic Kenneth Tynan as a "fallen angel" who effortlessly evoked emotions through her music.

Celeste Epiphany Waite is a British singer and songwriter who began her career in 2014 by providing vocals for electronic producers. She made her solo debut with an EP released under Lily Allen's label and later signed with Polydor Records. In 2019, she topped the BBC's Sound of... poll, won the Rising Star Award at the Brit Awards, and released her debut album, which debuted at the top of the UK Albums Chart. Celeste has earned nominations for various awards, including the Brit Awards and the Mercury Prize.

George Melly was a versatile figure in the English cultural scene, renowned for his contributions as a jazz and blues singer, critic, writer, and lecturer. His expertise extended to film and television criticism during his tenure at The Observer from 1965 to 1973. Additionally, he shared his knowledge of art history with a focus on surrealism through engaging lectures. Melly's professional life was characterized by his multi-faceted talents and his ability to educate and entertain audiences across various platforms.

Beryl Bryden was an accomplished English jazz singer known for her collaborations with prominent musicians such as Chris Barber and Lonnie Donegan. Revered by her peers, Bryden was praised by the legendary Ella Fitzgerald as "Britain's queen of the blues." Throughout her professional career, she left a lasting impact on the jazz music scene with her soulful vocals and captivating performances. Bryden's contributions to the genre solidified her legacy as a talented and influential figure in the world of jazz music.