Jazz Pride Part Two: LGTBQ Artists to Add to Your Playlist

One  of the most esteemed vocalists in the world of jazz today, Ann Hampton Callaway developed her love for jazz and scat singing from her father, John Callaway, a respected journalist. Known for her work in the theatre and cabaret scene, she also wrote and performed the theme song for the hit 90s sitcom The Nanny starring Fran Drescher.

Although he retired from performing in 2017, Gary Burton is still regarded as one of the most prolific vibraphonist in contemporary jazz today. He is heralded as an innovator developing a four-mallet technique that makes the vibraphone sound like a piano, known as the “Burton grip.”

Known for his approach blending roots-rock, pop, soul and jazz, Steven Taetz is one of Canada’s most exciting jazz singers and lyricists today. He has collaborated with the best in Canadian jazz including Barbra Lica, Michael Occhipinti, Drew Jurecka, George Koller, Ernesto Cervini, Micah Barnes and more.

Known as “Mother of the Blues,” Gertrude “Ma” Rainey was one of the first artists to bridge the gap between vaudeville and the emerging blues genre. A predecessor to singers such as Bessie Smith, she was also one of the first artists to openly express her bisexuality in songs such as “Prove It On Me.”

One of Canada’s premiere jazz vocalists, John Alcorn has performed and presented numerous Songbook concerts in tribute to the composers and singers of the Great American Songbook. His most recent project, Flying Without Wings, featurs an all-star Canadian trio – Reg Schwager (guitar), Mark Eisenman (piano), and Steve Wallace (bass) – along with New York great, Warren Vaché (cornet).

Long before her portrayal as Carrie “Big Boo” Black on Netflix’s Orange is the New Black, Le DeLaria was making moves on Broadway as a singer, actress and was the first openly gay comedian to appear on American television back in 1993 during an appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show. As a jazz vocalist, DeLaria has released five studio albums, including her most recent project House of David.

Terri Lyne Carrington has been defying labels for the majority of her 40+ year career as a drummer, composer and bandleader. Her social justice work as the founder and artistic director of Berklee Institue of Jazz and Gender Justice aims balance and modify the way jazz is perceived and presented, celebrating the contributions women have made to the genre. With her band Social Justice, Carrington is set to release her upcoming album, Trip the Night Fantastic, on July 31.