Eddie Jefferson, born Edgar Jefferson on August 3, 1918, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was an influential American jazz vocalist and lyricist, widely recognized as the founder of vocalese. This innovative style involves setting lyrics to instrumental solos, and Jefferson's work in this genre has left a lasting impact on jazz music. Despite not possessing a traditionally great singing voice, he was celebrated for maximizing his vocal potential and becoming one of the top jazz singers of his time.

Jefferson began his career as a tap dancer but transitioned to singing and lyric writing by the late 1940s. He pioneered vocalese with his lyrics to "Parker's Mood" and Lester Young's solo on "I Cover the Waterfront" during a live session in 1949. His most famous composition, "Moody's Mood for Love," gained popularity through King Pleasure's 1952 recording, which also brought attention to Jefferson's version of "Parker's Mood."

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Jefferson's contributions to jazz were somewhat overlooked, though he continued to record and perform. He collaborated with renowned jazz musicians, including James Moody (1953-1957, 1968-1973) and Richie Cole in his later years. Jefferson's discography includes recordings for labels such as Savoy, Prestige, Inner City, and Muse.

Tragically, Eddie Jefferson's life was cut short when he was shot and killed outside Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, Michigan, on May 9, 1979, at the age of 60. Despite his untimely death, his legacy endures through his pioneering work in vocalese and his memorable lyrics to songs like "Jeannine," "Lady Be Good," "So What," "Freedom Jazz Dance," and "Bitches' Brew." His final recordings were released posthumously in 1999 under the title "Vocal Ease."