Women have always had to struggle in what was called a "mans-world". When jazz was first becoming popular, there were very few, if any females involved.

Pioneers such as Ma Rainey and Sarah Vaughn helped to pave the way for female singers today such as Norah Jones and Cassandra Wilson.

Even today however, females in Jazz are vocalists, very few women have thrived in the instrumental world. A major controversy is underway now dealing with Wynton Marsalis and his jazz at Lincoln Center program.

He is being criticized for not having any female performers. Marsalis claims though that it is not a sexist move, he just takes the most qualified musician. So is it sexism or ability?
This seems to be a battle that will be waged for many more years to come.

Female Pioneers

* Ma Rainey ~ Ma was the first African American recording star in the 1920's. She is often referred to as "The Mother of the Blues". Ma Rainey was born Gertrud Pridgett.
( B. 1886- D. 1939)

* Ella Fitzgerald ~ For decades Fitzgerald was considered the quintessential female jazz singer. She also managed Chick Webb's band from 1939-1941.
(B. 1917- D. 1996)

*Mary Lou Williams ~ She was the leading figure in the religious jazz movement. She was also a pianist and a composer. She was born Mary Elfrieda Scruggs.
(B. 1910- D.1981)

* Carla Bley ~ Carla was one of the first well known female keyboard players. She first came to public notice with A Genuine Tong Funeral (1967), a cycle of pieces recorded with the Gary Burton Quartet.
She also was a composer and bandleader with many different groups.
(B. 1938- D. -)