Louis Armstrong performs on the Kraft Music Hall TV show in Brooklyn, NY on June 1967. Armstrong is celebrated as the master jazz trumpeter.
Redferns
2 of 15
Mary Lou Williams, one of the first women to be recgnized in the jazz world, poses in Manhattan’s St Patrick’s Cathedra in New York City in January 1975.
Getty Images
3 of 15
Chet Baker plays the trumpet at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 20, 1983. Baker was known for his distinctive tone of both for his playing and singing.
Redferns
4 of 15
Duke Ellington plays the piano during recording of the BBC television show ‘Jazz 625’ in London on February 20, 1964. Ellington was known for his versatility as one of the most revered American composers, pianist and bandleader.
Redferns
5 of 15
John Coltrane performs onstage at New York’s Birdland Jazz Club in 1955. Coltrane was one of the most iconic saxophonist in the 20th century known for his mastered composed music style.
Getty Images
6 of 15
Kenny G plays the saxophone during The Presidents Cup Opening Ceremony at Songdo Convensia on Oct. 7, 2015. The saxaphonist is the top-selling instrumental musician of the modern era.
US PGA TOUR
7 of 15
Drummer Antonio Sanchez rocks the show at Pizza Express Jazz Club in London, United Kingdom on April 24, 2012. The Mexican-born drummer is one of the most appreciated drummers across the globe.
Redferns via Getty Images
8 of 15
Herbie Hancock attends MusiCares Person of the Year at the MGM Grand Marquee Ballroom on April 1, 2022. Hancock was an integral part of every jazz movement since the 60’s as a renowned pianist and composer.
Redferns
9 of 15
Miles Davis poses for a picture in Washington DC, on June 15, 1984. Davis is recognized as the most influential jazz musician in the post-World War II period.
Getty Images
10 of 15
Melba Liston plays the trompbone in 1947. Liston was the first woman trombonist to play in the 1940s/50s big bands and was known for her unique solo pianist playing and composition writing abilities.
Getty Images
11 of 15
Wayne Shorter performs at the Jazz Middelheim Festival in Antwerpen, Belgium on Aug. 14, 2014. A jazz composer, Shorter is known for his innovative tenor and soprano saxophonist skills.
Redferns via Getty Images
12 of 15
English Jazz musician Peter White poses with his guitar at the Park West in Chicago, Illi. on Nov. 2, 1996. White serves as one of the most dynamic and versatile acoustic guitarists for contemporary jazz.
Getty Images
13 of 15
Nina Simone is seen laughing and dancing during a photoshoot on Oct. 30, 1969. The legendary jazz artist centered around Black empowerment in a dramatic style through her singing and piano playing.
Getty Images
14 of 15
Keith Jarrett performs during “An Evening of Solo Piano Improvisations” at Carnegie Hall on March 3, 2015. Jarrett is considered to be one of the most original jazz musicians to emerge during the late 20th century.
Getty Images
15 of 15
Nubya Garcia performs at Electric Brixton in London, England on Nov. 7, 2021. The bright instrumentlaist is one of the UK’s fastest-rising young jazz musicians as a saxophonist and composer.
Redferns
