Who are the biggest figures in the history of jazz music?

Despite this, Mingus is one of the most important figures in bebop, bass and jazz history. 12. Art Blakey. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfGDTGBHM9M&hl=en_US&fs=1&]. Art Blakey was a famous American drummer and bandleader who revolutionized the way jazz drums were played. read more

Louis Armstrong was one of the founders of New Orleans jazz, remains one of the greatest trumpeters of all time and is an immediately recognizable singer thanks to his raspy voice. read more

One of the most significant figures in music history, Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C. He began studying the piano at the age of seven. He started playing jazz as a teenager, and moved to New York City to become a bandleader. read more

A considerable amount of musicians have been inspired by the “Duke,” including: Thelonius Monk, Sonny Stitt, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, Earl Hines and Joe Pass, as Ellington has proved to be one of the most important figures in jazz and music in general. read more