Detroit Sound Conservancy

Women Who Shaped the Sound of History Pt. 2 🎶

During Women’s History Month and beyond, we encourage you to explore the legacies of women who shaped music as we know it today. Through historic headshots from the DSC archive and the Graystone International Jazz Museum, we celebrate artists whose voices and artistry continue to inspire.

✨ Take a moment to explore their stories and impact

The Peters Sisters. (year and photographer unknown)
Mattie, Anna, and Virginia Peters formed a dynamic swing-era vocal trio known for tight harmonies and vibrant performances. Their blend of jazz, pop, and R&B helped them rise to popularity in the 1940s through nightclubs and film appearances.

Hazel Scott (1920- 1981). (year and photographer unknown)
Hazel Scott was a Trinidad-born American jazz pianist, singer, and actress known for her virtuosic technique and bold, swing-infused style. Rising to fame in the 1940s, she became one of the first Black women to host her own television show, The Hazel Scott Show. A passionate civil rights advocate, she used her platform to challenge racial discrimination in Hollywood and beyond.

Carmen Bradford. (year and photographer unknown)
Carmen Bradford() is a jazz vocalist known for her rich tone and dynamic swing style. She rose to prominence as a longtime member of the Count Basie Orchestra, earning a Grammy Award for her work with the group. Bradford has built an international career as a solo artist and educator, continuing to preserve and celebrate the jazz tradition.

Bobbi Humphrey. (year and photographer unknown)
Bobbi Humphrey is an American jazz flutist and singer known for pioneering a distinctive blend of jazz, funk, and soul in the 1970s. She became the first female instrumentalist signed to Blue Note Records, where she released influential albums like Blacks and Blues and Satin Doll. Humphrey’s smooth sound helped expand the role of the flute in contemporary jazz and inspired generations of musicians.

📸Photos from the Graystone International Jazz Museum Collection.
Vist our website to explore the collection further.