Sinatra was responsible for the popularity of the male singer in big band movement. He was able to merge his arts of music and acting. Sinatra has one of the most enduring voices in music, jazz or otherwise.
jazz
Cannonball Adderley (Sunday 9.15.13)
Hard bop was popularized by Cannonball Adderely in the 1950s and 1960s. Adderely reinvigorated jazz in the 1970s after a successful career playing with many of the jazz greats.
Sonny Rollins (Sunday 9.8.13)
Sonny Rollins pioneered a bass drum rhythm section with no piano so his saxophone playing would stand out as well as be a rhythm instrument itself. Rollins joined the Miles Davis Quintet in 1955.
Art Pepper (Sunday 9.1.13)
Alto saxophone player Art Pepper redefined himself repeatedly, and each time gained greater respect and popularity.
Max Roach (Sunday 8.11.13)
A pioneer of the drums, Max Roach revolutionized the concept of musical time. Max’s playing and interpretation of time inspired generations of jazz musicians and drummers.
Herb Ellis (Sunday 8.4.13)
Herb Ellis gave us a different way of looking at the different ways of coping with the events of the 1950s and 1960s. He incorporated the blues and twang into a bee bop sound with his jazz guitar playing. He’s most well-known for joining the Oscar Peterson Trio in the 1950s.