TRANSCRIPT:
I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
South Carolina has nurtured some incredible women in jazz—voices that have broken barriers, lifted spirits, and redefined the sound.
Start with Etta Jones, born in Aiken, SC. A soulful vocalist with a bluesy edge, she brought depth and honesty to every phrase. Her recordings with saxophonist Houston Person are jazz treasures.
Then there’s Bertha Hope, originally from South Carolina roots, who became a powerful pianist, composer, and advocate for women in jazz. Her style blends swing, bop, and soul with elegance and fire.
Today, South Carolina is raising a new generation of women artists—singers, instrumentalists, and bandleaders-who are making waves in jazz education and performance, from Charleston to Greenville.
Their stories matter. Their music moves us. And their presence is reshaping jazz for good.
This has been Rapp on Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible by The ETV Endowment of South Carolina.