Sarah Vaughan

Date of Birth: March 27, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: April 3, 1990

Biography

Sarah Lois Vaughan, born March 27, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, was an American jazz singer renowned for her rich, powerful voice and impeccable improvisational skills. Often referred to as “The Divine One” or “Sassy,” Vaughan started her musical journey at an early age, singing in church choirs and taking piano lessons. She gained national recognition after winning a talent contest at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 1942, which led to her joining the Earl Hines big band. Vaughan’s career soared in the 1940s and ’50s as she worked with legendary musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. Her ability to effortlessly switch between various vocal registers and her innovative phrasing set her apart from her contemporaries. She released several critically acclaimed albums and became a staple in both jazz and pop music. Vaughan continued to perform and record throughout her life, earning numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989. She passed away on April 3, 1990, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time.

5 Interesting Facts about Sarah Vaughan

1. Sarah Vaughan was a self-taught pianist and often accompanied herself on the piano during performances.

2. She was one of the first artists to be signed to Columbia Records’ new jazz division in the 1940s.

3. Vaughan’s vocal range spanned three octaves, allowing her to perform a wide variety of styles.

4. She was a pioneer in bebop, a complex jazz style characterized by fast tempos and intricate melodies.

5. Vaughan was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award in 1989, one of the highest honors in jazz.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sarah Vaughan

1. “When I sing, trouble can sit right on my shoulder and I don’t even notice.”

2. “You’ve got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.”

3. “I don’t think I ever modeled myself after a singer. I’ve more or less copied the styles of horn-tooters right from the start.”

4. “I am not a special person. I am a regular person who does special things.”

5. “Music is my life, and my life is music. Anyone who does not understand this is not worthy of God.”