Famous Canadian Jazz Musicians

Oscar Peterson was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer known as a virtuoso and one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. Over his career spanning more than 60 years, he released over 200 recordings, won eight Grammy Awards, and received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy. He performed worldwide, collaborating with renowned musicians like Ray Brown, Herb Ellis, and Herbie Hancock. Peterson's trio with Ray Brown and Herb Ellis was particularly acclaimed for its stimulating and productive performances and recordings.

Cindy Breakspeare is a talented Canadian-Jamaican jazz singer and musician. She gained international recognition after being crowned Miss World in 1976. Breakspeare has a successful career in the music industry, showcasing her skills as a singer and musician. She has collaborated with various artists and has made a name for herself in the jazz genre. Breakspeare's passion for music and her captivating performances have earned her a dedicated fan base and solidified her reputation as a respected artist.

Gino Vannelli is a Canadian rock singer and songwriter known for his successful career in the 1970s and 1980s. He gained recognition with hit singles such as "People Gotta Move," "I Just Wanna Stop," "Living Inside Myself," and "Wild Horses." Vannelli's music blends elements of rock, pop, jazz, and R&B, showcasing his versatile vocal range and musical style. His unique sound and powerful performances have solidified his reputation as a talented artist with a lasting impact on the music industry.

Don Francks, also known as Iron Buffalo, was a versatile Canadian actor, musician, and singer. He had a successful career spanning several decades, showcasing his talents in various artistic endeavors. As an actor, he appeared in numerous films and television shows, earning recognition for his performances. Francks also made a name for himself in the music industry, releasing albums and performing as a jazz singer. His contributions to the entertainment world were marked by his passion, talent, and dedication to his craft.

Maynard Ferguson was a renowned Canadian jazz trumpeter and bandleader who rose to fame in Stan Kenton's orchestra before establishing his own big band in 1957. He was recognized for his influential bands that nurtured emerging talent, his exceptional versatility across multiple instruments, and his remarkable ability to play in a high register. Ferguson's professional career was marked by his innovative contributions to the world of jazz music, leaving a lasting impact on the industry through his distinctive sound and dynamic performances.

Jane Siberry is a Canadian singer-songwriter with a successful career marked by hits such as "Mimi on the Beach", "I Muse Aloud", "One More Colour", and "Calling All Angels". She is also known for performing the theme song for the TV series Maniac Mansion. Siberry has released music under the name Issa between 2006 and 2009. In 2005, she received the Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award in music from the Canada Council for the Arts, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the music industry.

Lee Aaron is a Canadian rock singer known for her successful career in the 1980s and early 1990s. She achieved fame with hits like "Metal Queen," "Whatcha Do to My Body," and "Sex with Love." Aaron's powerful vocals and stage presence made her a prominent figure in the rock music scene. Her music resonated with fans, propelling her to stardom and solidifying her reputation as a talented and versatile performer. Aaron's contributions to the rock genre have left a lasting impact on the music industry.

Paul Bley was a Canadian jazz pianist renowned for his significant contributions to the free jazz movement in the 1960s. He was known for his innovative approach to trio playing and his pioneering use of Moog and ARP synthesizers in live performances. Bley's musical style was described as deeply original and aesthetically aggressive by critics. Throughout his career, he released influential recordings spanning from the 1950s to the 2000s, showcasing his versatility and skill as a pianist.

Lenny Breau, an American-Canadian guitarist, revolutionized the music scene with his innovative approach to blending jazz, country, classical, and flamenco styles. Inspired by Chet Atkins, he introduced fingerstyle techniques uncommon in jazz guitar, showcasing his mastery on the seven-string guitar. By treating the guitar like a piano, Breau pushed boundaries and expanded possibilities for the instrument. His unique style and virtuosity left a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in the world of guitar music.

Kenneth Vincent John Wheeler was a Canadian composer and trumpet and flugelhorn player who was based in the U.K. from the 1950s onwards. He was known for his performances rooted in jazz, as well as his work in free improvisation and occasional contributions to rock music recordings. Wheeler wrote over one hundred compositions and was a skilled arranger for both small groups and large ensembles. He was also the patron of the Royal Academy Junior Jazz course.

Esthero is a Canadian singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. She is known for her unique sound combining mellow bass lines, jazzy trumpets, Spanish guitar, and hip-hop elements. Esthero co-produced the majority of her material and has been compared to artists like Björk, Portishead, Billie Holiday, and Sade. She has influenced later female artists such as Res, Fergie, and Nelly Furtado. Esthero's professional career showcases her musical talent and innovative approach to blending various genres in her music.

Sophie Milman is a Russian-born Canadian jazz vocalist known for her self-titled debut album released in 2004. She graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto in 2011. Milman is married to Casey Chisick, a lawyer, professor, and musician, who has also been involved in producing her albums and concert DVD. Her achievements include winning the 2008 Juno Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year and receiving a Grammy Award nomination in 2018 for her work on Yiddish Glory.