Sarah Vaughan, also known as “Sassy” and “The Divine One”, was an American jazz singer known for her impressive vocal range, versatility, and innovative interpretations of standards. She began her career in the 1940s, singing with big bands such as Count Basie and Billy Eckstine before launching a successful solo career. Vaughan recorded over 50 albums throughout her career, earning numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards. She was also inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 best Sarah Vaughan songs of all time. These songs showcase Vaughan’s incredible talent, highlighting her ability to swing effortlessly between genres and captivate audiences with her emotive interpretations. From classic jazz standards to pop hits, each of these songs is a testament to Vaughan’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest singers of all time. Whether you are a long-time fan or just discovering her music, this list is sure to inspire and delight.
1. Send In the Clowns
“Send in the Clowns” is a classic ballad written by Stephen Sondheim for the musical “A Little Night Music”. Sarah Vaughan’s rendition of the song is often regarded as one of the best, and it showcases her impeccable vocal range and emotional depth. The song features a melancholic melody that perfectly matches the lyrics, which express a sense of disappointment and resignation in love. Sarah’s smooth and soulful voice adds a layer of complexity to the song, as she delivers each word with an understated yet powerful tone. Her interpretation of the song captures the essence of the lyrics, conveying a sense of vulnerability and heartache that is both haunting and beautiful. “Send in the Clowns” has become a timeless classic, and Sarah Vaughan’s version of the song is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the art of singing.
2. Broken Hearted Melody
“Broken-Hearted Melody” is a song that was originally recorded by the American singer Sarah Vaughan in 1959. It is a beautiful ballad that tells the story of a heartbroken person trying to mend their broken heart. The song features Vaughan’s powerful and soulful voice, accompanied by a lush string arrangement. The lyrics and the melody create a perfect combination that captures the emotions of heartbreak and longing. The song became a massive hit, reaching the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Vaughan’s signature songs. “Broken-Hearted Melody” has since been covered by several artists, including Dinah Washington, Shirley Bassey, and Aretha Franklin.
3. If You Could See Me Now
“If You Could See Me Now” is a beautiful ballad performed by the legendary jazz singer Sarah Vaughan. Originally written by Tadd Dameron and Carl Sigman, this song features Vaughan’s signature rich and velvety vocals, showcasing her impeccable range and control. The lyrics describe the sadness and longing of a person missing a loved one who has passed away, with Vaughan’s emotive delivery adding to the poignant and heart-wrenching nature of the song. The arrangement is lush and elegant, with the backing orchestra perfectly complementing Vaughan’s vocals. “If You Could See Me Now” is a timeless classic that has been covered by many artists, but Vaughan’s version remains a standout, cementing her status as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time.
4. Passing Strangers (featuring Billy Eckstine)
“Passing Strangers” is a beautiful duet performed by Sarah Vaughan and Billy Eckstine. The song features their soulful and romantic vocal harmonies that complement each other perfectly. The song tells a story of two strangers who met, fell in love, and had to part ways. The lyrics are heart-wrenching, and the melody is hauntingly beautiful. The song showcases both singers’ incredible range and emotional depth as they convey the melancholic mood of the song. Vaughan’s sultry voice blends seamlessly with Eckstine’s smooth and deep vocals, making “Passing Strangers” a timeless classic.
5. That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day)
“That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day)” is a classic American song that was first recorded in 1949 by Frankie Laine. The song is a melancholic tune about a laborer who longs for the carefree life of the sun as it rolls around in the sky. The lyrics describe the laborer’s daily struggles as he toils away, dreaming of a life free from the worries of the world.
The song’s melody is slow and soulful, with a simple chord progression that perfectly captures the sadness of the lyrics. The instrumentation is sparse, with a piano and a saxophone providing the main accompaniment to the vocals. The song’s arrangement is masterful in its simplicity, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the beauty of the lyrics and melody.
Over the years, “That Lucky Old Sun” has been covered by numerous artists, including Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, and Ray Charles. Each version brings a unique interpretation to the song, but the core message of longing for a carefree life remains constant.
Overall, “That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day)” is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the human desire for a life free from the burdens of daily existence. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a true masterpiece of American music.
6. Black Coffee
“Black Coffee” is a jazz standard that has been covered by many artists since it was first written in 1948. The song is a powerful ballad that tells the story of a woman who is heartbroken and turning to black coffee to soothe her pain. The lyrics are evocative and poignant, painting a vivid picture of a woman who has been betrayed and is struggling to cope with the pain.
The song’s melody is slow and mournful, with a minor key adding to the melancholic tone. The instrumentation typically features a piano, bass, and drums, with a vocalist delivering the heartbreaking lyrics. The arrangement is often sparse, allowing the singer’s voice to take center stage and fully convey the emotion of the lyrics.
“Black Coffee” has been covered by many notable artists, including Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, and k.d. lang. Each version brings a unique interpretation to the song, but the underlying message of heartbreak and loss remains constant.
Overall, “Black Coffee” is a powerful and moving song that captures the pain of heartbreak in a deeply personal way. Its haunting melody and heartbreaking lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a true classic of the jazz genre.
7. Nature Boy
“Nature Boy” is a song that was written in 1947 by eden ahbez, an American songwriter and composer. The song tells the story of a “nature boy,” a free-spirited individual who lives in harmony with nature and is in search of enlightenment. The lyrics are poetic and spiritual, with references to the beauty of the natural world and the mysteries of the universe.
The melody of “Nature Boy” is haunting and ethereal, with a minor key adding to the mystical quality of the song. The instrumentation is typically sparse, with a piano or guitar providing the accompaniment to the vocals. The arrangement is simple, allowing the beauty of the melody and lyrics to shine through.
“Nature Boy” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Nat King Cole, who had a hit with the song in 1948. Other notable versions have been recorded by David Bowie and John Coltrane. Each interpretation brings a unique perspective to the song, but the underlying message of the beauty and power of nature remains constant.
Overall, “Nature Boy” is a spiritual and poetic song that celebrates the wonder and beauty of the natural world. Its haunting melody and profound lyrics continue to captivate listeners today, making it a true classic of the American songbook.
8. How Important Can it Be?
“How Important Can it Be?” is a classic American song that was popularized in the 1950s. The song is a romantic ballad that tells the story of a person who is trying to convince their love interest to take a chance on a relationship. The lyrics are straightforward and honest, expressing the deep feelings of the singer and their desire for a happy future together.
The melody of “How Important Can it Be?” is simple and catchy, with a memorable chorus that emphasizes the message of the song. The instrumentation is typically traditional, with a piano and strings providing the accompaniment to the vocals. The arrangement is understated, allowing the beauty of the melody and lyrics to shine through.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Bing Crosby and Joni James. Each version brings a unique interpretation to the song, but the core message of love and devotion remains constant.
Overall, “How Important Can it Be?” is a timeless love song that captures the universal experience of falling in love and the hope that it brings. Its simple melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with listeners today, making it a classic of the American songbook.
9. It’s Magic
“It’s Magic” is a classic American song that was popularized in the 1940s. The song is a romantic ballad that celebrates the power of love and its ability to transform the world. The lyrics are uplifting and optimistic, expressing the joy and wonder of being in love.
The melody of “It’s Magic” is enchanting and catchy, with a memorable chorus that emphasizes the magical quality of love. The instrumentation is typically traditional, with a piano and strings providing the accompaniment to the vocals. The arrangement is understated, allowing the beauty of the melody and lyrics to shine through.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Doris Day, who had a hit with the song in 1948. Other notable versions have been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. Each interpretation brings a unique perspective to the song, but the underlying message of the transformative power of love remains constant.
Overall, “It’s Magic” is a timeless love song that celebrates the beauty and wonder of love. Its enchanting melody and optimistic lyrics continue to captivate listeners today, making it a classic of the American songbook.
10. Tenderly
“Tenderly” is a romantic jazz standard that was first recorded in 1946. The song is a ballad that expresses the beauty and tenderness of love. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, with imagery that captures the feelings of intimacy and connection between two people.
The melody of “Tenderly” is gentle and soothing, with a slow tempo that emphasizes the romantic mood of the song. The instrumentation typically features a piano, bass, and drums, with a vocalist delivering the heartfelt lyrics. The arrangement is often lush, with strings and other orchestral elements adding to the romantic atmosphere.
The song has been covered by many notable artists over the years, including Sarah Vaughan and Nat King Cole. Each version brings a unique interpretation to the song, but the underlying message of the beauty and tenderness of love remains constant.
Overall, “Tenderly” is a timeless love song that celebrates the intimacy and connection between two people. Its gentle melody and evocative lyrics continue to resonate with listeners today, making it a true classic of the jazz genre.
Erica Henderson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
