Lonnie Johnson

Alonzo "Lonnie" Johnson (February 8, 1899 – June 16, 1970) was an American blues and jazz singer/guitarist and songwriter who pioneered the role of  jazz guitar and is recognized as the first to play single-string guitar solos.  Johnson was not only one of the few black blues musicians invited to be 'guest featured' on a number of jazz recording sessions, he was also one of the only classic 1920's blues artists to have a revived a high-charting career after WWII.

chatterbox

Ray Charles

Ray Charles Robinson (September 23, 1930 – September 17, 2004), was an American musician known by his shortened stage name Ray Charles. He pioneered the genre of soul music during the 1950s by fusing rhythm & blues, gospel and blues. His records include controlled slurs, shouts and shrieks. Rolling Stone ranked Charles No. 10 on their list of "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" in 2004. His music pervades American culture.

Source: thegirlcantdance

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters, John Bubbles, 1929 On With the Show-Birmingham Bertha

Ethel Waters, (October 31, 1896 – September 1, 1977) was an American blues, jazz and gospel vocalist and actress. She frequently performed jazz, big band, and pop music, on the Broadway stage and in concerts, although she began her career in the 1920s singing blues. c. 1929

Source: songbook1