Nov 3rd, 2008 · Peruvian singer Yma Sumac died Saturday at age 86. Sumac recorded an extraordinarily wide vocal range of more than four octaves; she could sing notes in the low baritone register as well as notes above the range of an ordinary soprano.
Jul 18th, 2008 · Sarah Vaughan possessed one of the legendary voices in jazz. With a multi-octave range and a luscious, supple sound, she was celebrated by critics, fans, and fellow musicians alike. In this program from 1986, Vaughan's lively and sassy personality is on display, as are her amazing vocals.
Apr 22nd, 2008 · Ella Fitzgerald is one of the most recognized voices in jazz history. As a teen, her dream was to be a dancer, but fate had different plans for her. "Lady Ella" sang a three-octave range, was noted for her pure tone, and is widely considered one of the finest Great American Songbook interpreters.
May 3rd, 2007 · Ryder blends alternative rock and pop with folk and occasional jazz flourishes, bolstered by her three-octave vocal range. For If Your Memory Serves You Well, Ryder covers memorable Canadian-penned songs, while also throwing in a few new tracks of her own.
Nov 17th, 2006 · Alice Smith's soulful four-octave vocal range helps make her music instantly addictive. Growing up, she split her time between D.C. and her grandmother's Georgia farm, and eventually she moved to New York City to pursue a music career. Smith works from a variety of influences that include Patti LaBelle, Billie Holiday and Fiona Apple.
Oct 9th, 2006 · With a commanding vocal range that spans four octaves, New York-based singer Alice Smith makes her endlessly listenable blend of rock, pop, jazz, soul and R&B seem almost effortless. Thanks to her emotive and powerful voice, Smith has begun to turn heads on a national level.
Sep 18th, 2006 · Improvisation came easily -- and early -- to Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero. She received a two-octave toy piano when she was 7 months old. By age 3, she was improvising on themes from songs her mother sang her.
Mar 28th, 2005 · Robert Siegel sits down with violinist Chien Tan for a performance and chat. Tan plays the violin with the Oregon Symphony; she is also one of just a handful of people playing the treble violin, an instrument about the size of a "quarter-size" standard violin and plays an octave higher.