Norman Granz (August 6, 1918 – November 22, 2001) was an American jazz music impresario.

Granz was a fundamental figure in American jazz, especially from about 1947 to 1960. He was the founder of five record labels: Clef, Norgran, Down Home, Verve and Pablo. Granz was acknowledged as "the most successful impresario in the history of jazz." Granz is also known for his anti-racist position and for integrating audiences.

Life and career

Born in Los Angeles, he is the son of Jewish immigrants from Tiraspol, After school, he began work as a stock clerk on the Los Angeles stock exchange. When America joined the Second World War, he was drafted into the US Army Air Force. Subsequently, he was posted to the Morale branch, the department charged with troops' entertainment." He then emerged into the public view when he organised desegregated jam sessions at the Trouville Club in Los Angeles, which he later expanded when he staged a memorable concert at the Philharmonic Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday, July 2, 1944, under the heading of "Jazz at the Philharmonic".