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While the sax has long been associated with iconic male figures in jazz and pop, women have been making their mark on this beloved instrument for decades.
In this list of the greatest female saxophone players, music fan and sax player Brooke Jessop celebrate the trailblazers who have shattered glass ceilings and left an indelible mark on music.
If you don’t know these female sax players yet, it’s time to get to know them! From pioneering bandleaders to contemporary virtuosos in jazz, pop, and beyond, these women have defied stereotypes and remind us that the saxophone knows no gender.
Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly, a prodigious talent in the jazz world, has made waves as a singer, saxophonist, songwriter, composer, and bandleader. By her mid-twenties, she had released 14 acclaimed albums, performed at the Hollywood Bowl, and joined the house band for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Kelly’s early milestones include performing at Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration at age 16. She played as a soloist with the Boston Pops at 14. She has led over 1,000 shows in 35 countries, performing at prestigious venues and festivals. Known for her scorching saxophone and purring vocals, Kelly has collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Dave Brubeck, and Wynton Marsalis. DownBeat Magazine Critics Poll has named her “Rising Star Alto Saxophone nine times since 2009. And Vanity Fair have features here as as a millennial shaking up the jazz world. Grace Kelly continues to captivate audiences on her social media platforms with her innovative electro jazz-pop style. She’s certainly one of our greatest modern female saxophone players.
Melissa Aldana
Born in Santiago, Chile, in 1988, Melissa Aldana is a pioneering tenor saxophonist celebrated for her virtuosity and innovation. After studying at Berklee College of Music, she moved to New York. She quickly emerged as one of the most promising saxophonists of her generation. Leading both the Melissa Aldana & Crash Trio and her quartet, she broke barriers by becoming the first female, first South American, and youngest person to win the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2013 at age 24. Grammy-nominated in 2023 for ‘Best Improvised Jazz Solo,’ Aldana continues to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz.
Jess Gillam
Hailing from Cumbria in the UK, Jess Gillam is a dynamic saxophonist known for her exceptional talent and vibrant personality. A rising star in classical and crossover music, she gained fame as the first saxophonist to reach the finals of BBC Young Musician. Gillam was also the youngest soloist at the Last Night of the Proms. Jess captivates audiences worldwide with her electrifying performances and diverse programs.
The first saxophonist signed exclusively to Decca Classics, her albums topped the UK Classical Music Charts. Awarded an M.B.E. in 2021, Jess champions music’s power in society and engages with young musicians.
Beyond performing, she is a prominent TV and radio presenter, hosting her ARIA Award-winning show, “This Classical Life,” on BBC Radio 3. Currently Artist in Association at the Royal Albert Hall, Jess continues to inspire with her Jess Gillam Ensemble. She has a long career ahead of her as one of our greatest female saxophone players.
Ivy Benson
Ivy Benson, born in 1913, was an English alto saxophonist and bandleader who redefined the UK music scene in the 1940s. Raised in Leeds, she began playing piano at five. She pursued jazz, inspired by Benny Goodman. Saving for her first saxophone while working in a factory, she joined bands in her teens.
In London, she formed her own all-female swing band, captivating audiences, and breaking gender norms. During WWII, as male musicians were enlisted into the army, women seized new opportunities within music. So Ivy Benson’s band rose to fame, becoming the BBC’s house band and entertaining troops across Europe. Benson’s legacy endures, celebrated with a blue plaque in Leeds and honours from Leeds Polytechnic. Ivy should be recognised as one of our greatest female sax players.
Tineke Postma
Tineke Postma, born in 1978, is a celebrated Dutch jazz saxophonist and composer. She is known for her innovative compositions and mesmerising performances. She studied at the Amsterdam Conservatory and Manhattan School of Music under renowned mentors like David Liebman and Chris Potter.
Postma’s mastery of soprano and alto saxophone has garnered numerous accolades. She was named Rising Star for Soprano Saxophone in DownBeat magazine’s 2019 Critics Poll. And her seamless blend of tradition and innovation has earned her acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. An esteemed educator at Amsterdam and Codarts Conservatories, she has collaborated with jazz greats like Terri Lyne Carrington and Esperanza Spalding, showcasing her versatility and artistry.
Rosa King
Rosa King was born in 1939 in Georgia. She was an acclaimed American jazz and blues saxophonist and vocalist, celebrated for her electrifying performances. Though she gained fame primarily in Amsterdam, her influence was global. King collaborated with legends like Ben E. King, Cab Calloway, and Eric Burdon, showcasing her exceptional talent and versatility. Her legendary status was cemented by her memorable tenor sax battle with Stan Getz at the 1978 North Sea Jazz Festival.
King’s band was a launching pad for stars like Candy Dulfer, Saskia Laroo, and Alex Britti. Despite limited exposure in America, Rosa King had a profound impact. The Rosa King Foundation in the Netherlands supports aspiring female artists. And as a mentor, King’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of saxophonists. Rosa King certainly deserves her place on this list of great female saxophone players.
Tia Fuller
Tia Fuller, born in 1976 in Aurora, Colorado, is a celebrated American saxophonist, composer, and educator. Raised in a musical household by jazz musicians Fred and Elthopia Fuller, she’s renowned for her jazz contributions. Fuller’s collaborations include Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Ray Charles. Leading her quartet, she’s released acclaimed albums like “Pillar of Strength” and “Decisive Steps.” Notably, she’s part of Beyoncé’s all-female touring band, displaying her genre-blending prowess.
Her involvement in Pixar’s “Soul” as a featured jazz musician further solidifies her impact, with her alto saxophone performance influencing the character Dorothea Williams. A Grammy-nominated artist for her album “Diamond Cut,” Fuller continues to push boundaries in jazz. She is also nurturing the next generation of musicians as a faculty member at Berklee College of Music.
Lakecia Benjamin
A New York City native, Lakecia Benjamin is renowned for her vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and R&B. Growing up in the culturally rich Dominican neighbourhood of Washington Heights, she absorbed the diverse rhythms of merengue, salsa, and Latin music. She was mentored by Gary Bartz, and embraced jazz traditions, influenced by legends like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane.
Voted “Up and Coming Artist of the Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association and “Rising Star Alto Saxophonist” by Downbeat Critics Poll, Benjamin’s career skyrocketed. She has shared stages with Missy Elliot, Alicia Keys, and Clark Terry. From Obama’s Inauguration to global tours, her dynamic performances have enthralled audiences on four continents. Leading Soul Squad, her debut album “Retox” showcases her genre-defying style and musical brilliance. Lakecia Benjamin has cemented her status as a trailblazer in contemporary jazz.
Mindi Abair
A celebrated American saxophonist, vocalist, and author, Mindi Abair is known for her dynamic performances and versatile talent. With ten No. 1 radio singles and two No. 1 Billboard Jazz CDs, she’s made a significant impact as a solo artist.
Abair’s career includes collaborations with “American Idol” and touring alongside legends like Aerosmith, Duran Duran, and the Backstreet Boys. A Berklee College of Music magna cum laude graduate, she launched her career in Los Angeles, releasing her debut solo album in 1999.
Her Grammy-nominated “Summer Horns” and acclaimed “Wild Heart” demonstrate her enduring influence. Abair also hosts “Chill With Mindi Abair” and continues to inspire with her band, The Boneshakers.
Candy Dulfer
Dutch saxophonist Candy Dulfer is renowned for her soulful playing and commercial appeal, captivating audiences with her infectious energy. Born in 1969 in Amsterdam, she was inspired by her father, jazz saxophonist Hans Dulfer. She began mastering the soprano saxophone at six and formed her band, Funky Stuff, at fourteen.
Her debut album, “Saxuality” (1990), earned a Grammy nomination, launching her international career. Known for dynamic performances, she has collaborated with legends like Prince, Pink Floyd, and Van Morrison. Dulfer’s genre-transcending contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including honorary citizenship in Niš, Serbia for her promotion of the city in global performances.
Nubya Garcia
Nubya Garcia’s musical journey began at the Camden Saturday Music Centre, where she transitioned from violin to saxophone at age 10. Garcia refined her skills through the Camden Jazz Band and the Royal Academy of Music‘s junior jazz program. A Trinity Laban Conservatoire graduate, her breakthrough arrived with the EP “Nubya’s 5ive” in 2017.
Headlining major festivals, Garcia’s album “Source” (2020) earned acclaim, shortlisted for the Hyundai Mercury Prize. Nubya Garcia is a member of the jazz collective Nérija and the Afro-jazz ensemble Maisha. She blends heritage with innovation, influenced by jazz greats like Coltrane and Rollins. As a patron of Camden Music Trust, Garcia champions young musical talent.
Vi Redd
Vi Redd was an American jazz alto saxophonist known for her bebop and hard bop inspired by Charlie Parker. Born in 1928 to a musical family, Vi grew up in Los Angeles’ vibrant Central Avenue jazz scene. She became a pioneering figure, performing alongside legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie. She and toured internationally, including stints in Japan, Paris, and a record-breaking 10 weeks at Ronnie Scott’s in London.
Her notable albums, ‘Bird Call’ and ‘Lady Soul,’ are must-listens. Redd received prestigious awards, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Los Angeles Jazz Society (1989) and the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Award from the Kennedy Center (2001). Redd was a trailblazer for women in jazz and a dedicated educator, leaving a lasting impact on the jazz community.
Jessy J
Jessy J, not to be confused with UK pop singer Jessie J, is a celebrated saxophonist known for her dynamic jazz performances and Latin influences.
Graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in jazz studies, she was named “Most Outstanding Jazz Student.” And Jessy toured with renowned artists like Michael Bublé, The Temptations, and Taylor Swift before launching her solo career.
Her debut album, “Tequila Moon,” soared with its title track hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Jazz chart. Jessy J has collaborating with legends such as Joe Sample, Ray Parker Jr., and Harvey Mason. And she has also appeared on popular TV shows like American Idol, The Voice, and Dancing With the Stars. Jessy J earning recognition in both jazz and Latin music circles for her talent and versatility.
Greatest female saxophone players
These female saxophonists enriched the world of music we enjoy today. And their talent, innovation, and perseverance have left an indelible mark across genres and generations. From trailblazers like Vi Redd and Ivy Benson, who defied gender norms and societal expectations to carve their own paths, to contemporary virtuosos like Melissa Aldana and Nubya Garcia, who continue to push boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide, these women represent the epitome of artistic excellence and resilience.
So celebrate their achievements and honour their legacies, and we recognize the importance of amplifying the voices and talents of female musicians. Together we can be sure that their contributions are celebrated as they should be.
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