Women in Jazz Month is celebrated annually in March. It is a time to recognize and honor the contributions of female vocalists, composers, bandleaders, and instrumentalists. Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan are jazz icons who are ensconced in the GRAMMY Hall of Fame.

With a voice that evokes Ella and Sarah, 24-year-old Samara Joy McLendon has already achieved GRAMMY recognition.

Samara Joy won the 2023 GRAMMY awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best New Artist for her second album, “Linger Awhile.”

Samara Joy won the 2024 GRAMMY for Best Jazz Performance for “Tight.”

Samara Joy co-wrote the soulful and defiant “Why I’m Here” featured in the Netflix film “Shirley.”

With a voice that belies her age, listening to Samara Joy is, well, a joy.