“Karl Johnson, my first piano player at Milt Trenier's, he just swung really hard and gave me a sense of really belonging to the jazz scene.”

American jazz singer and songwriter

Kurt Elling is an American jazz singer and songwriter. He is known for his work in modern jazz and for a vocal style that has drawn wide attention within the genre. As a performer and writer, Elling has built his reputation through jazz singing and songwriting. His name is associated with contemporary jazz performance, where his work is recognized for its musical craft and for songs shaped by the traditions of the style.