International Jazz Day is a UN-designated day celebrated on April 30, 2019. The day has been observed every year since 2011 to recognise the role played by jazz music in uniting people all over the globe. The idea for International Jazz Day was suggested by Herbie Hancock, a jazz pianist and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Jazz Day is celebrated to bring together musicians, communities, schools and academics together and to learn more about the history and future of the music form. Jazz originated in America among the black community of New Orleans. Jazz music helped them rise over political and social problems, giving the community an outlet for creative expression. Jazz effected a social change in America and many names were associated with this cultural movement. On International Jazz Day 2019, here are some of the best jazz musicians who changed the world. International Dance Day 2019: History And Significance of the Day That Promotes the Art Form.

1. Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith is an American blues singer and one of the most popular musicians of the 1920s and 30s. Smith has influenced later generations of jazz and blues singer and is regarded by many as one of the greatest singers of her era. Smith’s songs revolved around topics such as poverty, racial conflict and sexuality. But instead of being lauded for skills, she was often criticised for being distasteful.

2.Miles Davis

Miles Davis is among the most influential jazz musicians and composers, and a key figure in jazz history. He pioneered jazz music and was responsible for some of the most unforgettable songs in jazz history. Called the Picasso of Jazz, Davis’ songs inspired generations of musicians. 5 Popular Christian Songs to Celebrate The Festival.

3. John Coltrane

There’s perhaps no greater testimony of American saxophonist and jazz composer John Coltrane’s greatness than his veneration. He is worshipped as God by a congregation called Yardbird Temple. After serving as sidemen to other jazz greats such as Miles Davis and Theolonious Monk, the legendary Coltrane went on to carve his niche in the world of jazz music.

4. Duke Ellington

Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington is a legendary jazz bandleader with a career spanning more than five decades. He is known as the Renaissance man of jazz who constantly innovated who was known for hiring the best musicians to work in his band. Some of his hits include “Take the A Train,” “In Mellow Tone,” and “Satin Doll."

5. Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong’s gravelly voice crooning “What a wonderful world” is registered in our memories. The All-Star Virtuoso is one of the most important people in the history of music, let alone jazz music. He had a major influence on the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and artistic movement in the 1920s. Louis Armstrong’s hit songs include “Mack the Knife,” “Go Down Moses,” “When the Saints,” and “Hello Dolly.”

6. Thelonious Monk

Jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk was known for his unusually “harsh” piano touch. Although he was not widely appreciated, Monk is one of the greatest, unorthodox jazz musicians. Thelonious Monk’s hits include “Round Midnight,” “Ruby, my dear,” “Blue Monk” and “In Walked Bud.”

7. Ella Fitzgerald

First Lady of Song, Queen of Jazz, and Lady Ella were some of the names of Ella Fitzgerald, one of the greatest jazz musicians with a career spanning six decades. She made a space for herself in the 30s when jazz was considered the domain of “bad boys.” Ella Fitzgerald has given the world hits such as “Dream A Little Dream of Me”, “Cheek to Cheek” and “Lady is the Tramp.”

8. Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday started her career singing in the nightclubs of Harlem. She eventually went on to become one of the greatest voices in jazz history. Holiday’s impressive vocals and improvisation styles belie the fact she never had formal musical training. Some of Billie Holiday’s greatest hits include “Strange Fruit,” “Billie’s Blues,” “Gloomy Sunday,” and “God Bless the Child.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 29, 2019 05:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).