Torch song

A torch song is a sentimental love song, typically one in which the singer laments an unrequited or lost love, where one party is either oblivious to the existence of the other or where one party has moved on. Singers of the pop vocal tradition are referred to as "torch singers" when their repertoire consists predominantly of such material. Torch singing is more of a niche than a genre and can stray from the traditional jazz-influenced style of singing, although the American tradition of the torch song typically relies upon the melodic structure of the blues.

The term comes from the saying, "to carry a torch" for someone or to keep aflame the light of unrequited love.

Examples of "Torch Singers" include

• Antony and the Johnsons
• Billie Holiday
• Diana Krall
• Dinah Shore
• Dinah Washington
• Dora Gerson
• Dusty Springfield
• Edith Piaf
• Ethel Merman
• Ethel Waters
• Fiona Apple
• Frank Sinatra
• Frankie Lane
• Georgia Gibbs
• Jane Olivor
• Jeff Buckley
• Jeri Southern
• Johnnie Mathis
• Joni Mitchell
• Judy Garland
• Julie London
• k.d. lang
• Laura Fygi
• Mariah Carey
• Marlene Dietrich
• Mel Torme
• Morrissey
• Neko Case
• Nina Simone
• Patti LuPone
• Peggy Lee
• Sade
• Ute Lemper

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