Vaughan, Sarah (1924-1990), was a famous jazz singer who also achieved great success in popular music. She sang in a rich contralto voice with a three-octave range. Her sensitivity to harmony and her skill in improvising singled her out as one of the great musical performers of the 1900’s. Vaughan was nicknamed “Sassy” because of her personality and “The Divine One” because of the respect other musicians had for her voice and musicianship.
Sarah Lois Vaughan was born in Newark, New Jersey on March 27, 1924. She began her singing career by winning a talent contest in New York City’s Harlem at the age of 18. From 1943 to 1946, she sang with several bands. For the next 45 years, she worked with many important jazz musicians, including Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Charlie Parker. From 1947 through the 1980’s, Vaughan led several combos, touring and recording with the groups. Her first hit recordings were “Lover Man” (1945) and “Tenderly,” “I Cover the Waterfront,” and “It’s Magic” (all 1947). Vaughan’s other popular records included “Mean to Me” (1950), “Lullaby of Birdland” (1954), and “Broken-Hearted Melody” and “Misty” (both 1958). Vaughan died on April 3, 1990.
