Bebop architect and Afro-Cuban jazz pioneer; a virtuosic trumpeter whose bent-bell horn and rhythmic innovations reshaped modern jazz beside Charlie Parker.

Definitive voice of the Great American Songbook; jazz-wise phrasing and late-career duets introduced timeless standards to new generations.

Cool-jazz icon; trumpet and voice in haunting unison, defined by lyrical economy and intimate balladry—“My Funny Valentine” became his calling card.

Modern bebop alto giant, multiple Grammy winner, and bandleader—heard by millions for his alto solo on Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are.”

Hard-bop drumming powerhouse; anchor of Miles Davis’s first great quintet, known for explosive swing, sharp snare work, and a band-driving feel that reshaped modern jazz timekeeping.

Warm, unhurried contralto who grew from pop stardom into jazz authority—her Concord Jazz era helped spark a standards renaissance.

Electric-guitar and recording pioneer; helped create the solid-body guitar and multitrack overdubbing, revolutionizing how modern music is played and captured.

Drummer-bandleader who forged hard bop with the Jazz Messengers, mentoring generations of artists like Wayne Shorter, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard while turning gritty swing into a global language.