Women’s History Month Celebrates: Women of Style and Song

The Women of The Yesteryears of Jazz had dynamic voices with far reaching range. They could captivate an audience not just with their amazing voices, but also with their sophisticated style of dress. Whether they were wearing ball gowns, fur coats, cocktail dresses, flats, heals, pumps, off the shoulder dresses, reserved or plunging necklines, these women brought class and sass to whatever article of clothing that they were wearing. They knew how to command attention, not just with their amazing voices, but with their ability to style and accessorize.

Let’s all pay tribute to some of the most amazing women of both jazz and fashion: Ella, Sarah, and Billie.

 

1. Ella Fitzgerald-Cry Me a River - No one is crying when they look at this lovely off the should gown worn by the First Lady of Song, Ms. Ella Fitzgerald. This look is somewhat provocative (with the off the shoulder sleeves and plunging neckline), but still manages to convey elegance and sophistication. During her storied career Ella won 13 Grammys as well as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Whether performing with such greats as Duke Ellington or Louis Armstrong, this powerhouse knew how to pack a punch both in song and in style. Check out the link below to hear one of her great tunes (Cry Me a River) and see some of her great outfits. 

 

 

2. Sarah Vaughan- Fever - Sarah Vaughan knew how to turn up the heat when she hit the stage. This four-time Grammy winner has been described as “an ageless voice of modern jazz”.  While that amazing voice of hers may be considered ageless, her look here is timeless. This lovely sequined bustier gown, complemented by chandelier earrings and a jeweled bracelet definitely brings the heat.

Whether she was singing Come Rain or Come Shine, Someone to Watch over Me, Whatever Lola Wants or Fever, she knew how to captivate an audience not only with her voice, but also with her look. Click the link below to see Ms. Vaughan style her way through the classic tune Fever.

 

 

3. Billie Holiday- God Bless The Child - This incomparable songstress was an original when it came to creating her own fashion style. Lady Day’s trademark was using gardenias in her hair to make her great onstage look. It has been said that she came about this look accidentally after she burned her hair while trying to curl it one night before a performance. A gardenia was used to hide the burn, and the look stuck with her.

With or without the gardenia, this lady knew how to accessorize, and dress in a way that commanded respect, desire, and a tad bit of jealousy. She had a look to be copied, and a voice to be envied.

God Bless this child for leaving behind both a great music and style legacy. Click on the link below for Lady Day’s God Bless The Child.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp9yj5hcWUY