Sarah Vaughan (1924–1990), “Sassy”/“The Divine One,” paired luxuriant tone, wide range and sovereign pitch with improviser’s daring. After early stints with Earl Hines and Billy Eckstine, she made landmark Mercury/EmArcy sides—string-backed ballads and small-group jazz. Signatures: “Lullaby of Birdland,” “Misty,” “Tenderly.” Essentials include Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown and Live at Mister Kelly’s; GRAMMY winner, NEA Jazz Master.