The Global Sounds Unique series pays tribute to those seminal recording artists who didn't just add to the musical montage but took it to new heights. The influence that these legends have had over subsequent generations and all musical styles cannot be underestimated and their legacy is assured by the constant accolades they receive from each following generation of recording artists.

Retail price $12.95

Frank Sinatra

In becoming the first true musical superstar of the modern era, Frank Sinatra's inimitable style and peerless timing became, and to this day still remain, the benchmark for all aspiring stage performers. His natural instinct for extracting every last nuance from a song made ordinary songs sound good and good songs sound great.

CD - GJ2304

Bing Cosby

Whether in his film or singing career Bing Crosby oozed style. Prior to 1930 singers sang loudly 'at' the audience, Bing Crosby single handedly changed this by singing in an understated fashion 'to' the audience. His intimate and laid back manner characterized by a relaxed posture gave rise to the epithet - Crooner.

CD - GJ2306

Ella Fitzgerald

Like her counterpart, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald suffered a traumatic upbringing but, unlike Holiday, she supressed her anguish and developed a great joie-de-vivre which is reflected in many of her classic hits. Her incredible vocal range and interpretations are legendary and led Bing Crosby to describe her as "the greatest singer of them all, male or female".

CD - GJ2305

Billie Holiday

The mesmeric intonation of her voice added to the poignancy and powerful lyrics in almost all of her songs sends shivers down spines. Listening to Billie Holiday chronicle the racist atrocities of the early 20th century in the hugely emotive "Strange Fruit" is as raw, powerful and stupefying an experience as music provides.

CD - GJ2308

Louis Armstrong

New Orleans favorite son "Satchmo" will long be remembered as much for his most distinctive voice as for the gaiety and jocularity he imbued in his music. To listen to a Louis Armstrong album is an uplifting experience and memories of his smiling face and altruistic nature will last every bit as long as the memories of his unique voice.

CD - GJ2301

Muddy Waters

Taking his influence from the ubiquitous Mississippi Delta blues, in the mid 1940's, Muddy Waters was a pioneer in the embryonic Chicago blues revolution. The introduction of electric guitars and amplifiers enabled Muddy to create a sound so raw, earthy and powerful that blues music would never be marginalised

CD - GJ2302

Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole will always be remembered for his sophisticated vocals and romantic lyrics that have so inspired generations and melted many hearts. His role in breaking down racist barriers in the 1950's should never be underestimated. He was one of the first black performers to win universal acclaim, and became America's first black television presenter.

CD - GJ2307

Peggy Lee

Very probably the most versatile performer of her generation, Peggy Lee's eclectic catalog of muisc reflects her confidence in her own ability to sing any style of music and at any tempo. Certainly no two Peggy lee tracks sound alike and this ability to seamlessly cross musical genres ensured an enduring popularity over a 40 year career.

CD - GJ2303