Vocal jazz is a genre characterized by soulful, expressive vocals, often accompanied by lush instrumentation and subtle rhythmic nuances. Emerging in the 1920s, it evolved from blues and swing traditions, with artists blending jazz harmonies and phrasing with emotive, storytelling-style lyrics. The 1950s-1960s "Golden Age" of vocal jazz saw its peak popularity, with iconic singers blending jazz sophistication with R&B and pop sensibilities, creating a distinctive sound that resonated with diverse audiences. As a cultural phenomenon, vocal jazz reflected the era's social and emotional landscape, addressing themes of love, loss, and liberation. While drawing from blues, gospel, and swing, vocal jazz is distinguished by its emphasis on lyrical interpretation, melodic nuance, and a blend of technical virtuosity and emotional authenticity, setting it apart from other genres.
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