Singer Cleo Laine, regarded as Britain’s greatest jazz voice, dies at 97 #british #singer #died

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Cleo Laine, whose husky contralto was one of the most distinctive voices in jazz and who was regarded by many as Britain’s greatest contribution to the quintessentially American music, has died. She was 97.
The Stables, a charity and venue Laine founded with her late jazz musician husband John Dankworth, said Friday it was “greatly saddened” by the news that “one of its founders and Life President, Dame Cleo Laine has passed away.”
Cleo Laine, one of England’s most acclaimed jazz singers and an actress who had a memorable Broadway turn as the proprietor of a London opium den in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” died on Thursday at her home in Wavendon, England. She was 97.
Jazz singer Dame Cleo Laine, famous for her huge vocal range and wide musical repertoire, has died at the age of 97.
In a long career, Dame Cleo was the first British singer to win a Grammy Award in a jazz category and performed with all the greats - including Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.
However, her greatest collaborator was her husband, late musician and composer John Dankworth, with whom she established her career in the 1950s.
They also set up the Stables arts centre in Buckinghamshire, which said in a statement it was "greatly saddened today by the news that one of its founders and Life President, Dame Cleo Laine has passed away".
Cleo Laine, whose husky contralto was one of the most distinctive voices in jazz and who was regarded by many as Britain’s greatest contribution to the quintessentially American music, has died
Cleo Laine, the renowned British jazz singer known for her extraordinary vocal range and emotive performances, has passed away at the age of 97. With a career spanning over seven decades, Laine was celebrated for her unique ability to blend jazz, pop, and classical music.
She earned numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations, and was widely regarded as one of the leading voices of her generation. Laine's contribution to music remains influential, inspiring countless artists worldwide. Tributes from fans and fellow musicians have poured in, honoring her legacy as a true jazz icon.

SOURCE:-
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/25/arts/music/cleo-laine-dead.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce78ddyjl76o

https://apnews.com/article/cleo-laine-jazz-singer-dead-john-dankworth-5039beb7ade14bc581108d83bb600c54