Yes, jazz is a male-dominated art. But since this month we celebrate Mother’s Day, it’s fitting to give a shout out to ladies of jazz that shown the true art of improvisation by raising a family!,
In honor of Mother’s Day, we’ve listed some famous “Jazz Mothers.” Women in the jazz scene past and present who have had the honor of having and/or raising children. As you would expect with jazz artists, each mother has a special “story to tell” about motherhood, so here we go, in no particular order…
Nnenna Freelon: Ms Freelon actually became a jazz singer after raising her three children and being a health care administrator. How’s that for delayed gratification?
Jane Monheit: She has one child from drummer and husband Rick Montalbano. Anyone want to joke about the rhythm method?- Ethel Waters: One of the most important early jazz vocalists, she became a devout Christian and adopted Algretta Holmes.
Diana Krall: The famed vocalist and pianist married pop star Elvis Costello and is raising twin sons. Wonder what they listen to at home?- Sara Vaughan: In 1961 she adopted Debra Lois after learning she couldn’t have
children on her own. - Nancy Wilson: She had one child from a drummer, then one from a minister before adopting one more with the
pastor. She’s lead a life serving God since, and only rarely comes out to “the world”. - Nina Simone: Her daughter Lisa Celeste Stoud has been a singer in
Aida. Toshiko Akiyoshi: The big band leader, composer and pianist had a daughter from bop alto saxist Charlie Mariano.
- Flora Purim: The iconic vocalist and percussionist had a child from legendary percussionist Airto.
Rosemary Clooney: She had 5 children from actor Jose Ferrer and is related to George Clooney- Luciana Souza: By chance she met producer Larry Klein at a concert, got married and now has a wonderful son. It pays to be at the right place at the right time. Talking about being a
good producer! - Joni Mitchell: Back in 1997, Joni was reunited with a girl Kilauren Gibb, whom she had given up for adoption 32 years before as she was just
starting her career. Talking about an advertisement for being Pro-Life! One of the wonderful family stories in music.