Ken Nordine was an American voice artist, poet, and innovator best known for pioneering the genre of “word jazz.” Emerging in the 1950s, he blended rich, resonant spoken-word performances with cool jazz backdrops, creating a wholly unique fusion of sound and storytelling. His collaborations with musicians like the Fred Katz Group and his influential album series *Word Jazz* earned him a lasting reputation as a master of vocal nuance and imagination. Nordine’s work continues to inspire artists across jazz, poetry, and experimental audio art.