Sarah Vaughan (1924–1990) was an American jazz singer, known for her smooth and sultry vocal style. She was one of the most influential jazz singers of the 20th century, and her career spanned more than four decades. She was a three-time Grammy Award winner and was inducted into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame. Throughout her career, she recorded over 60 albums and performed in many of the most prestigious jazz clubs around the world. She was known for her signature scat singing and her wide vocal range. She was often compared to Ella Fitzgerald, for her ability to improvise and create unique interpretations of songs.
| Name | Sarah Vaughan |
| Date of Birth | March 27, 1924 |
| Genres | Jazz, Pop, Blues, Gospel |
| Occupation | Singer, Pianist, Composer |
| Instruments | Vocals, Piano |
| Labels | Columbia, Roulette, Mercury |
| Years Active | 1942–present |
10 Best Sarah Vaughan Quotes
“I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me-like food or water.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from The Guardian
“I always had a natural talent. I could always carry a tune. I could always carry two or three, without any trouble at all. I could always sing harmony. I was a natural.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from UMass Press
“I was born with a natural ear for music. I heard music in my dreams. I remember singing in the cradle.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from UMass Press
“A lot of people think that I have a lot of power, but I don’t. I have a lot of control.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from The Guardian
“I was always looking for new sounds. I had a strong ear and could pick out all kinds of nuances in music.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from UMass Press
“That’s why I still love improvisation. I love to take risks. I’d rather take a risk and miss than stay in my own comfortable corner.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from The Guardian
“I’m a jazz singer, and I think jazz is the only thing that really suits my voice. I just love to improvise.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from UMass Press
“I think that’s what singing is, an expression of emotion, of feeling. It’s not just a matter of technique.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from The Guardian
“You have to have a feeling for the music. That’s what it’s all about. It’s not about technique, it’s about feeling.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from UMass Press
“Music is like life. You’ve got to keep moving, keep experimenting and keep trying new things.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from The Guardian
5 Inspirational Sarah Vaughan Quotes
“I don’t think I’ve ever been a person who’s been satisfied with just being good. I want to be better.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from GRAMMY.com
“There is something about singing that is so natural. It’s like breathing.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from YouTube
“I’m just trying to do what I can do and the best that I can do.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from YouTube
“I think of myself as an interpreter of songs.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from YouTube
“I think it’s very important to have a dream.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from GRAMMY.com
6 Famous Sarah Vaughan Quotes
“I don’t remember any time when I wasn’t singing. I used to sing in church, at home, and anywhere I could.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from All About Jazz
“I’m the kind of singer who likes to experiment. I like to take chances. I like to do something that nobody else has done.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from The New York Times
“I don’t think of myself as a jazz singer, although I love jazz. I just sing.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from All About Jazz
“I’m not a blues singer, although I sing the blues. I’m a singer.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from All About Jazz
“I’m a perfectionist. I like to make everything I sing as perfect as I can.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from The New York Times
“I think I’m a natural musician. I don’t read music, but I can feel it. I can hear it and I can feel it.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from All About Jazz
8 Sarah Vaughan Quotes About Love
“Love is the greatest healing force of all.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from Rolling Stone
“When you really love someone it’s hard to make yourself do anything else.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from Rolling Stone
“I think that all of us have love in us and it’s just a matter of how we use it.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from Jazz.com
“I think love can cure a lot of ills.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from Jazz.com
“Love is the strongest emotion one can feel.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from The Guardian
“Love is the most powerful emotion, and it can do a lot of good things.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from The Guardian
“Love is the most important thing in life.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from The New York Times
“Love is the most beautiful thing in the world.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from The New York Times
8 Sarah Vaughan Quotes About Life
“I think if you concentrate on the music, life will take care of itself.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from AllMusic
“That’s what I think of life: to enjoy every moment of it.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from Jazz.com
“You can’t be frightened of life.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from Discogs
“You never know what life has in store for you.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from All About Jazz
“I think if you believe in yourself and have faith in your abilities, you can do anything you want to do.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from AllMusic
“Life is too short for us to worry about things that don’t matter.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from Last.fm
“Life is too short to worry about things that don’t matter.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from AllMusic
“Life is too short to dwell on the negative.”
– Sarah Vaughan, from Discogs
8 Quotes About Sarah Vaughan
“Sarah Vaughan had the most marvelous voice.”
– Ella Fitzgerald, from PBS
“Her singing was so beautiful and so powerful.”
– Diana Krall, from PBS
“She was the best singer in the world.”
– Johnny Mathis, from The New York Times
“Sarah Vaughan was the one that started it all.”
– Aretha Franklin, from Google Books
“Sarah Vaughan was one of the greatest singers of the 20th century.”
– Whitney Balliett, from Grammy.com
“She was the most beautiful of all the jazz singers.”
– Tony Bennett, from Grammy.com
“Sarah Vaughan was the best jazz singer there ever was.”
– Aretha Franklin, from Grammy.com
“Sarah Vaughan is the only singer with enough emotion and power to make a song come alive.”
– Quincy Jones, from Grammy.com
Interview with Sarah Vaughan
Frequently Asked Questions About Sarah Vaughan
1. What is the most famous Sarah Vaughan quote?
Sarah Vaughan was an American jazz singer, often referred to as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. She was known for her unique vocal style and her ability to interpret songs. Throughout her career, Sarah Vaughan has left us with many memorable quotes. Here are some of her most famous quotes:
- “Music is the only language in which you cannot say a mean or sarcastic thing.”
- “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
- “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
- “Don’t be afraid to take chances. That’s how we grow and learn.”
- “The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.”
The most famous Sarah Vaughan quote may be, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” This inspiring quote has become a common phrase of empowerment and is often used to remind people of their self-worth.
2. How did Sarah Vaughan influence American popular music?
Sarah Vaughan was a prominent jazz vocalist and pianist who shaped the landscape of American popular music. She was a versatile artist who experimented with different styles, and her influence can still be heard today in many genres.
- Vaughan was known for her soulful voice and wide range, which set the standard for jazz vocalists. She had the ability to blend her voice with her instrument to create a unique sound that defied genre boundaries.
- Vaughan was also a pioneer in blending jazz and pop music. Her signature style was a combination of swing and bebop, and she often used jazz elements in her popular songs. This helped usher in a new era of jazz-influenced popular music.
- Vaughan was a prolific songwriter and bandleader, and she wrote many of her own songs. Her compositions often featured complex harmonies and inventive instrumentation, and her influence can be heard in many modern jazz and pop songs.
- Vaughan’s influence extended beyond her own music. She was an influential mentor to many younger jazz musicians, and her reputation as a master improviser made her a highly sought-after collaborator.
- Vaughan was a major influence on American popular music. Her music was groundbreaking, and she helped popularize jazz and expand its influence on other genres. Her influence can still be heard in many modern jazz and pop songs.
3. What is Sarah Vaughan’s impact on jazz music?
Sarah Vaughan was one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century. She was known for her effortless improvisation and stunning range and tone. Her innovative phrasing and emotional delivery earned her the nickname ‘Sassy’.
Sarah Vaughan’s influence on jazz music is undeniable. She revolutionized the way vocalists approached jazz improvisation and phrasing. Her unique approach to jazz singing inspired countless vocalists, from Ella Fitzgerald to Diana Krall. Here are some of the ways Sarah Vaughan changed jazz music:
- Vaughan was one of the first jazz singers to use scat singing. She was known for her inventive scat phrases, which she often used to improvise her solos.
- Vaughan was a master of vocal improvisation. She was able to use her voice to create intricate melodies and harmonies, and to add subtle nuances to her performances.
- Vaughan’s range and tone were unparalleled. Her distinctive sound was able to convey a wide range of emotions, and her ability to blend her voice with the instruments was unparalleled.
- Vaughan’s phrasing was often very modern and inventive. She was able to incorporate elements of bebop and post-bop into her singing, which was a major influence on later vocalists.
- Vaughan was also a major influence on the way female vocalists expressed themselves. She was unafraid to express her emotions and use her voice to tell stories. Her creative approach to jazz singing was a major influence on later generations of female vocalists.
Sarah Vaughan’s impact on jazz music is undeniable. She revolutionized the way vocalists approached jazz improvisation and phrasing, and her unique style and sound has inspired countless singers over the years. Her influence on jazz music continues to be felt today.
4. How did Sarah Vaughan become known as a jazz vocalist?
Sarah Vaughan rose to fame in the 1940s when she was discovered by a talent scout while performing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. She was then invited to perform with the Earl Hines Band, where she developed her unique improvisational style.
Sarah Vaughan’s smooth, bluesy vocal style and her mastery of scat singing quickly made her a star in the jazz world. She recorded several hit singles, including “Tenderly,” “Misty,” and “Autumn in New York.” She also earned a reputation for her extensive repertoire, which included jazz standards, show tunes, and popular songs.
In addition to her vocal skills, Sarah Vaughan was also respected for her ability to craft poignant, emotionally charged performances. Her improvisation skills and her ability to change tempos at will made her a favorite among jazz musicians.
Sarah Vaughan’s influence and success as a jazz vocalist continued throughout her career. She earned numerous awards, including 10 Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Discovered by a talent scout while performing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem
- Developed unique improvisational style while performing with Earl Hines Band
- Smooth, bluesy vocal style and mastery of scat singing
- Recorded several hit singles, including “Tenderly,” “Misty,” and “Autumn in New York”
- Extensive repertoire included jazz standards, show tunes, and popular songs
- Ability to craft poignant, emotionally charged performances
- Improvisation skills and ability to change tempos at will
- Earned numerous awards, including 10 Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
5. What are the Defining Characteristics of Sarah Vaughan’s Vocal Style?
- A smooth, velvety, and sultry quality to her voice.
- A wide range of vocal control, able to move effortlessly from a very low register to a very high register.
- An ability to improvise and scat.
- A mastery of jazz phrasing and timing.
- A distinctive use of vibrato.
Sarah Vaughan was considered by many to be one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. Her unique vocal style was characterized by a smooth, velvety, and sultry quality to her voice, a wide range of vocal control, and an ability to improvise and scat. She was also known for her mastery of jazz phrasing and timing, and for her distinctive use of vibrato.
Conclusion
Sarah Vaughan was a talented jazz musician and vocalist whose career spanned six decades and left an indelible mark on the music world. Her innovative and distinct style of music earned her the nickname “Sassy” and her influence can still be heard in today’s jazz music. Sarah Vaughan was a true artist whose legacy will live on for generations to come.
