For much of his career, Mel Tormé performed at the peak of his profession, a jazz singer without peer who was revered by music lovers around the world. But Mel Tormé was so much more than just a great singer. He was a true Renaissance man, a talented musician and celebrated composer who became a fine arranger and orchestrator. He wrote books, acted…

She was called both “Sassy” and “The Divine One.” Sassy because she was mischievous and playful. And The Divine One because her voice seemed to have come from the Gods. She was the opera star of jazz, transforming songs into arias. For nearly 50 years, Sarah Vaughan was one of the dominant voices of American popular music. As part of the Peabody Aw…

With their cool, bop-inflected improvisations and classical chamber aesthetics, the Modern Jazz Quartet rose to prominence in the 1950s – expanding the jazz paradigm and bridging the gap between smoky jazz clubs and prestigious concert halls. Together for more than 44 years, they trotted the globe and played in nearly all 50 states, bringing their …

You recognize her instantly. And it isn’t just her remarkable voice. You recognize her character, the youthfulness, the exuberance, the freedom, the joy. More than anybody else’s, her sound is the sound of America. We’re talking about Ella Fitzgerald. Audiences, musicians and critics have honored her as the greatest singer of the 20th Century. As p…

Tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine was one of the most soulful and versatile musicians in jazz. And for much of his long career, he played music on his own terms – crossing musical boundaries often in the face of criticism. Whether playing a tune that cries out for lost love or celebrates the joy of living, Stanley’s expressions were always strai…

Tony Bennett embraced the Great American Songbook like few others, making every song his own – as you’re about to hear. As part of the Peabody Award-winning documentary series “Jazz Profiles,” this show about Tony’s life and music was produced in 1998 by Greg Fitzgerald and narrated by the series host Nancy Wilson. The “Jazz Profiles” shows – nearl…

Through more than 70 years in the entertainment industry, you’d be hard-pressed to name another person with the musical depth and breadth of producer, composer, arranger and bandleader Quincy Jones. His story – as you’re about to hear – will astound you. As part of the Peabody Award-winning documentary series “Jazz Profiles,” this show about Quincy…

Bill Evans was a genius – a composer and pianist with a light, lyrical touch that was once described as what you might hear at the gates of Heaven. As you’re about to hear, he is also one of most influential pianists in modern jazz. As part of the Peabody Award-winning documentary series “Jazz Profiles,” this show about Bill’s life and music was pr…

Gerry Mulligan is one of the most important figures in jazz – as an instrumentalist, composer, arranger, bandleader and a principal architect of “cool” jazz. His story is what you are about to hear. As part of the Peabody Award-winning documentary series “Jazz Profiles,” this show about Gerry’s life and music was produced in 1996 by Tim Owens and K…

The Village Vanguard is the oldest jazz club in New York City and one of the oldest nightclubs anywhere on this planet. What has made this Club so enduring and legendary? You are about to find out. As part of the Peabody Award-winning documentary series “Jazz Profiles,” this episode about The Village Vanguard was produced in 2001 by Molly Murphy an…

“Kind of Blue” is not only Miles Davis’s bestselling album, but also the best-selling Jazz album of all time. The story of how it was created is what you’re about to hear. As part of the Peabody Award-winning documentary series “Jazz Profiles,” this episode about the making of “Kind of Blue” was produced in 2001 by Jim Luce and Ashley Kahn – and na…