(In the UK) Jazz Legend Dame Cleo Laine Dies at 97

 Jazz Legend Dame Cleo Laine Dies at 97

Dame Cleo Laine, the celebrated British jazz singer, has passed away at the age of 97. Known for her rich four-octave vocal range and distinctive style, she was widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz performers of her time. Born Clementine Dinah Hitching in October 1927 in Southall, Middlesex, Cleo’s early exposure to music began at local events from the age of three. Her father, a Jamaican World War I veteran, was a strong influence in her upbringing.

Her big break came when she successfully auditioned for the Johnny Dankworth Seven, a small group led by saxophonist and composer John Dankworth. Their professional collaboration quickly turned personal, and the two married in 1958. Together, they became one of Britain’s most iconic musical duos, helping to shape the country's jazz scene from the 1950s onward.

Cleo’s music career spanned over 70 years, during which she performed with global stars such as Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. She gained international acclaim and became the first British jazz singer to win a Grammy Award in 1983 for her live performance at Carnegie Hall. She also appeared in stage and film productions like Show Boat and A Time to Laugh, showcasing her versatility beyond jazz.

Throughout her life, Cleo remained dedicated to music education and access. She and Dankworth co-founded The Stables music venue in Buckinghamshire, which remains a key hub for musical talent and youth development. She was awarded an OBE in 1979 and became a Dame in 1997, in recognition of her contributions to music and the arts.

See also: Jazz Legend Chuck Mangione Dies at 84

Dame Cleo Laine’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the music world and beyond. Known not only for her remarkable talent but also her enduring commitment to education, Cleo’s influence extended far beyond the stage.

She was the Life President of The Stables, a music centre she co-founded with her husband John Dankworth in 1970. Based in Buckinghamshire, the centre was built to foster musical growth and create opportunities for young performers. After Dankworth’s death in 2010, Cleo continued to support the centre's mission. The chairman of The Stables charity, David Meadowcroft, said her commitment to young musicians would live on through the work of the venue.

Chief executive Monica Ferguson described her as deeply admired and respected, not just by fans and fellow musicians, but also by the staff and volunteers who worked with her. She added that Cleo’s presence will be sorely missed, but her legacy will always be remembered.

Dame Cleo was known for her ability to cross genres with ease jazz, classical, pop, and theatre. She achieved major milestones for a British singer, and her Carnegie Hall Grammy win in 1983 remains a landmark moment in UK music history. The Sunday Times once described her as "quite simply the best singer in the world," a sentiment echoed in tributes following her death.

Cleo Laine outlived many of her contemporaries but remained a beloved figure in British music until the end. She continued performing into her later years and remained involved with The Stables until recently.

Her passing marks the end of an era, but her groundbreaking voice, her passion for education, and her pioneering role as a woman in jazz will continue to inspire generations to come.