Which vocalist is often regarded as the greatest to emerge during the bebop era?

Sarah Vaughan is often regarded as the greatest vocalist to emerge during the bebop era due to her exceptional range, unique vocal timbre, and innovative improvisational skills. Her ability to navigate complex melodies and harmonies made her a standout figure in jazz. During the bebop movement, Vaughan collaborated with prominent jazz musicians and demonstrated a deep understanding of the genre's intricate rhythms and structures. This versatility allowed her to infuse her performances with emotional depth and technical brilliance, earning her acclaim as a pioneering artist who helped define vocal jazz in this transformative period.

While other artists like Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Ella Fitzgerald made significant contributions to jazz music in their own right, Vaughan's distinctive style and impact on the bebop genre secure her place as a leading figure of that time. Fitzgerald, known for her scat singing and rich vocal expressions, contributed immensely to jazz but emerged slightly earlier, primarily aligning her work more with swing and big band jazz than with the bebop innovation.