Dianne Reeves

Since the late 1980s Dianne Reeves has ranked among jazz’s foremost vocalists. She extends the artistic lineage of Dinah Washington and Carmen McRae, even while falling short of the unmatched standards set by Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Reeves distinguishes herself through sensitive lyric interpretation and assured scat technique.

As a teenager she already displayed polished vocal ability and an appealing tone, singing and recording with her high school group. Clark Terry offered early support, inviting her to share the stage with him while she attended the University of Colorado.

Reeves has repeatedly stepped outside jazz. Session work in Los Angeles began for her in 1976; she later toured with Caldera, joined Sergio Mendes in 1981, and traveled with Harry Belafonte from 1983 to 1986. She launched her career as a leader with recordings in 1982 and soon appeared regularly at major jazz festivals. Those early projects reflected wide-ranging tastes, and many of her concerts featured original African-inspired folk material—often autobiographical—alongside world music and pop selections.

After signing with Blue Note in 1987, and especially from 1994 onward, Reeves concentrated on jazz, issuing enduring albums that include I Remember, The Grand Encounter, The Calling: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan, and A Little Moonlight. In 2005 she performed ’50s standards on screen in George Clooney’s film Good Night, And Good Luck. When You Know appeared in 2008. She departed Blue Note in 2009. Following further touring and an extended pause, she joined Concord and started a new project produced by Terri Lynne Carrington. The pair recruited an all-star lineup that included Esperanza Spalding, Sheila E, Robert Glasper, and George Duke, who passed away shortly after the sessions ended. Beautiful Life reached stores in time for Valentine’s Day 2014.