Art Blakey was an incredible drummer and bandleader who transformed the jazz scene. He burst onto the scene in the 1940s and collaborated with legends like Fletcher Henderson, Billy Eckstine, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie.

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Horace Silver, born in 1928 and passed away in 2014, was a pianist and composer known for blending hard bop with elements of gospel, blues, and Latin music to create a sound that is uniquely his own. His masterpieces, like “Song for My Father” and “The Preacher,” are cherished for their infectious melodies and irresistible grooves.

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Frank Sinatra, known as the “Chairman of the Board” and "Ol' Blue Eyes," was born to Italian immigrants in Hoboken, New Jersey. He began his musical career in the swing era, drawing inspiration from singer Bing Crosby.

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Nat King Cole began his remarkable journey as a jazz pianist in the late 1930s when he founded The King Cole Trio. This group became the best-selling act on Capitol Records and made history as the only Black ensemble at the time. Their innovative sound inspired countless jazz ensembles that followed.

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Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan on April 7, 1915, was a revolutionary jazz vocalist known for her unique and emotional phrasing.

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Dave Brubeck was a prominent composer and pianist in cool jazz, celebrated for his innovative use of time signatures.

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Tenor saxophonist Stan Getz, born Stanley Gayetski on February 2, 1927, was nicknamed "The Sound" due to his warm, lyrical tone.

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Chesney Henry Baker Jr., better known as Chet Baker, was born on December 23, 1929. He became renowned for his lyrical trumpet playing and soft vocal style, earning the nickname "Prince of Cool" for his innovations in cool jazz.

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