NPR's 'Jazz Profiles'
Bessie Smith, shown here ca. 1935, remained an active performer until her sudden death at age 43.
The singer's feverish growls and impassioned delivery informed nearly all African American music.
Recent NPR's 'Jazz Profiles'
November 19, 2008 The legendary bandleader and composer produced more than a thousand lasting works.
November 26, 2008 The bandleader's compositions present an indelible contribution to American music's legacy.
June 11, 2008 The flamboyant pianist was a leading purveyor of the ragtime-based style called Harlem Stride.
April 9, 2008 The pianist redrew the course of modern jazz piano by pioneering bebop improvisation at keyboard.
August 17, 2010 Few singers have the emotional depth and versatility of Abbey Lincoln, who died Saturday.
July 9, 2008 She was a gifted trombonist, a crack arranger, and, against the odds, a woman in jazz.
December 10, 2008 The King of Latin Music was a dynamic percussionist and bandleader — and an irrepressible showman.
October 9, 2008 The clarinetist's ideas were often too modern, and his temperament ill-suited to the role of star.
June 13, 2007 With Fitzgerald, you don't just recognize her voice; the sound of it makes you feel good.
August 20, 2008 The trumpeter spent many years writing, managing and playing for his brother's celebrated band.
