Renowned British Jazz Icon Cleo Laine Passes Away at 97
The United Kingdom’s most celebrated jazz vocalist, Cleo Laine, who also earned a Grammy during her illustrious career, has passed away at the age of 97.
The announcement of her passing was made by her daughter, Jacqui Dankworth.
Over her extensive career spanning six decades, Laine released an impressive collection of over 100 albums. Her exceptional contributions to music were honored in 1997 when she was knighted and appointed as a Dame Commander of the British Empire.
Renowned for her distinctive, husky voice and mastery in scat singing, Laine frequently performed worldwide with her husband, saxophonist John Dankworth. Their musical tours included performances at both grand and intimate venues globally. In 1986, she was awarded the Grammy for best female jazz vocal performance for her album Cleo at Carnegie: The 10th Anniversary Concert.
Laine’s talents extended beyond music to encompass roles in theatre and film. She appeared in a variety of productions, ranging from serious dramas like The Mystery of Edwin Drood—which earned her a Tony nomination—to popular television shows such as Jim Henson’s The Muppet Show.
Her global acclaim was significant; when she performed in New York City for the first time, a New York Times journalist referred to her as a significant British cultural asset. In 1978, she was even hailed by some as “the best singer in the world.”
Following her death, her children, Jacqui and Alec, shared a heartfelt statement with The Guardian: “It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved mother, Cleo, who died peacefully yesterday afternoon. We will all miss her terribly. The family wish to be given space to grieve and ask for privacy at this very difficult time.”
Hi, I’m Emily, a passionate and dedicated member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a keen eye for detail and a love for writing, I ensure that the latest celebrity news, major economic trends, and helpful tips for your home are presented in the most engaging and informative way possible. Fun fact: During a particularly exciting news story, I once managed to finish an article in record time, fueled solely by copious amounts of coffee and pure adrenaline!
