A three-time Grammy Award-winning jazz singer, actress, and songwriter known for her soulful, eclectic voice and performances that blend jazz, blues, and R&B. She's a highly acclaimed artist in the jazz world, celebrated for her unique style and contributions to the genre.
Dee Dee Bridgewater is a three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, a Tony Award-winning stage actress, and a renowned jazz vocalist, actress, and radio personality. With a career spanning over four decades, she has made an indelible mark on the jazz scene, leaving audiences in awe of her powerful voice, captivating stage presence, and versatility in both music and theater.
Born Denise Eileen Garrett on May 27, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, Bridgewater was raised in Flint, Michigan, in a Catholic African American family. Her father, Matthew Garrett, a jazz trumpeter and teacher, played a significant role in introducing her to the world of jazz at an early age. Her exposure to jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday sparked a passion that would guide her future endeavors.
In the early 1970s, Bridgewater joined the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra as the lead vocalist, marking the beginning of her jazz career. During this period, she performed with jazz greats like Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, and Max Roach, solidifying her position as a rising star in the jazz world.
In 1974, her debut solo album, Afro Blue, was released to critical acclaim, showcasing her unique vocal style and interpretive skills. The same year, she made her Broadway debut in the musical The Wiz, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
Bridgewater's impressive career is punctuated by numerous awards and honors, including:
From 2001 to 2014, Bridgewater hosted the popular National Public Radio program JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater, sharing her passion for jazz with audiences worldwide. As host, she interviewed luminary guests and explored the rich cultural heritage of jazz, further cementing her status as a jazz authority.
Bridgewater is committed to using her platform to promote social justice and support marginalized communities. She has worked with organizations like the United Nations and the Thelonious Monk Institute to advocate for arts education, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
Throughout her remarkable career, Dee Dee Bridgewater has consistently pushed the boundaries of jazz, theater, and broadcasting, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. As a triple-threat talent, she continues to inspire new generations of artists and audiences alike, ensuring her legacy as a jazz legend for years to come.
Born in 1917
A virtuosic trumpet player and composer who revolutionized jazz with his lightning-fast solos and iconic puffy cheeks, creating a new language for the instrument. He's synonymous with bebop and modern jazz.
Born in 1917
A jazz legend who revolutionized piano playing and composition with unorthodox techniques and harmonies, creating a unique, improvisational style that continues to inspire generations of musicians.
Born in 1920
A pioneering jazz saxophonist and composer, known for his lightning-fast solos and innovative bebop style that revolutionized jazz music. 82
99 Years Old
A legendary jazz saxophonist and composer who revolutionized the genre with his innovative, spiritually-driven improvisations and iconic albums like "A Love Supreme".
Born in 1915
Legendary jazz vocalist and actress known for her expressive, emotive singing style and iconic songs like "God Bless the Child" and "Strange Fruit".
Born in 1917
A virtuosic jazz vocalist known for her pure, expressive tone, impeccable phrasing, and incredible scat singing abilities. She won 13 Grammy Awards and recorded over 200 albums.
Born in 1901
A legendary jazz musician who revolutionized the genre with his unique trumpet playing and raspy vocals, leaving an indelible mark on American music.
92 Years Old
A soulful, genre-bending vocalist and pianist who blended jazz, blues, and classical music to create powerful, emotionally charged performances. Known for her unique, raspy voice and civil rights activism.
