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Norman Mapp

1928 – 1988

Composer

Composer Jazz musician Jazz singer
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About Norman Mapp

Lived 1928 – 1988 (aged 59–60). Norman Mapp was an American composer, jazz musician and jazz singer.

John Norman Mapp (1928–1988) was an American jazz vocalist, lyricist and composer.

Biography Mapp was born and raised in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York. He started his music career as a singer with the U.S. Army band during World War II while stationed in Europe. He returned home a disabled veteran, after his honorable discharge.

After Dinah Washington heard Mapp singing in his debut at a nightclub in Harlem, she adopted him as her protégé, encouraged him to continue singing and writing songs, and helped him start his career as a soloist and big-band musician.

Mapp's songs include "Jazz Ain't Nothin' but Soul", "I Worry 'Bout You", "Mr. Ugly", "In the Night", "Free Spirits", and "Foul Play". His songs were performed by Count Basie, Betty Carter, Marvin Gaye, Gigi Gryce, Peggy Lee, and Arthur Prysock.

Death Mapp died in February 1988 aged 59. Anthony Scaduto wrote an obituary of Mapp for New York Newsday.

Discography Jazz Aint Nothin but Soul

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Important facts

Born
1928, Queens
Birth century
Died
1988, New York City
Nationality
Also known as
John Norman Mapp

People in Norman Mapp's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Norman Mapp's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Norman Mapp?

composer

When was Norman Mapp born?

Norman Mapp was born in 1928 in Queens.

When did Norman Mapp die?

Norman Mapp died in 1988 in New York City.

What was Norman Mapp's occupation?

Norman Mapp was a composer, jazz musician and jazz singer.

What nationality was Norman Mapp?

Norman Mapp was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Norman Mapp

· Wikidata: Q7052577

· DBpedia: Norman Mapp

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Norman Mapp. https://biography.guide/norman-mapp/

MLA: "Norman Mapp." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/norman-mapp/.

Chicago: "Norman Mapp." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/norman-mapp/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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