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Women in Jazz
Below is a list of influential women musicians. There are many more that are not listed here. Some are present day musicians who are still creating and performing. Some are musicians of the past that have broken barriers for those who came after. Listen to our “Women in Jazz” playlist on the band’s YouTube page by clicking here.
Flute
Nicole Mitchell
Jamie Baum
Ali Ryerson
Clarinet
Anat Cohen
Doreen Ketchens
Sax
Melissa Aldana
Vi Redd
The Quadraphonnes
Trumpet
Alison Balson
Ingrid Jensen
Andrea Motis
Dolly Jones
Valaida Snow
Trombone
Gunhild Carling
Shannon Barnett
Carol Jarvis
Guitar
Mimi Fox
Mary Osborne
Emily Remler
Ava Mendoza
Bass
Esperanza Spalding
Linda Oh
Drums
Nikki Glaspie
Terri Lyne Carrington
Taylor Gordon “The Pocket Queen”
Viola Smith
Piano
Hiromi Uehara
Terry Pollard (and vibes)
Lil Hardin
Mary Lou Williams
Alice Coltrane
Toshiko Akiyoshi
Nina Simone
Voice
Billie Holiday
Andrea Motis
Ella Fitzgerald
Etta James
Sarah Vaughan
Nina Simone
Band Leaders
Blanche Calloway
Lil Hardin Armstrong
Ina Ray Hutton
Ivy Benson
Lovie Austin
Big Bands
The International Sweethearts of Rhythm
DIVA Jazz Orchestra
Ada Leonard’s All-American Girls
Rita Rio’s All Girl Orchestra
Women are not the only group underrepresented in the jazz community. The LGBTQ+ community also faces obstacles in today’s society. Hearing stories of the struggles women of the past have gone through, reminds me that the work we do for equality right now, in this present time, will pave the way for those who come after us. We are “standing on the shoulders of giants.” Our struggles for equality during this time, will allow people in the future to have more justice. Fight the good fight, and know that things will get better!
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