News & Updates — women in jazz

June Tyson / Feb 5, 1936 - Nov 24, 1992

June Tyson / Feb 5, 1936 - Nov 24, 1992

The Voice of the Galaxies, June Tyson was the cosmic lead vocalist in Sun Ra's band from '68 until her death. She was also a dancer and helped design costumes for the Arkestra members, as well as played some violin in later years. I highly recommend the classic low-budget blaxploitation sci-fi flick Space Is The Place. Check out June and the Arkestra in this clip: And here's a bonus interview with June:

Read more →


Jutta Hipp / Feb 4, 1925 - Apr 7, 2003

Jutta Hipp / Feb 4, 1925 - Apr 7, 2003

Jutta Hipp was a pioneering female jazz pianist from Germany. After a rough time as a displaced person in the '40s in Germany, she toured around Europe in the '50s with Atilla Zoller and others before coming Stateside in '55. She made a few records before retiring from the scene. Today, she has a street named after her in her hometown. This cut features Zoot Sims on the sax:

Read more →