Generally distinguished by their slow tempos and often romantic overtones, ballads began to gain popularity in American with the gentle compositions of Irving Berlin and George Gershwin. Ballads flourished through the war years with classic and bittersweet melodies sung by jazz-influenced artists. Key Artists: Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Mel Tormé, and Sarah Vaughn.
2026 note
Read more: the ListenSmart article on this style.