Ethel Waters was a famous African American singer, actress, and jazz-blues vocalist who was considered to be a pioneer in her field. Some synonyms for Ethel Waters include "queen of blues", "jazz diva", "songbird", and "legendary vocalist". She was known for her powerful and soulful voice which captured the hearts of audiences all across the globe. Ethel Waters became an inspiration for many young singers and her music continues to influence jazz and blues artists today. She paved the way for future African American performers and remains a prominent figure in American music history.