British jazz icon and Tony-nominated actress Cleo Laine dies at 97

Renowned Jazz singer Cleo Laine has passed away aged 97. The news of Laine’s death was announced by The Stables, an arts center founded by the singer and John Dankworth, her husband, in 1969.

Laine was the only female artist to earn Grammy nominations in the jazz, pop, and classical music categories and left an indelible mark on Jazz music. The Stables, in their press release, stated that they were “greatly saddened” by the news of Laine’s death.

The chairman of the charity organization, David Meadowcroft, praised the late singer for her passion for music and her efforts to pass on the torch to the younger generation:

"Dame Cleo was a remarkable performer who was loved by audiences around the world, and her commitment to ensuring young people had access to great music and music education will continue through the work of The Stables.”

The Chief Executive and Artistic Director of The Stables, Monica Ferguson, added that Cleo Laine was loved by peers and the community at The Stables before adding that she will always be remembered:

"Dame Cleo was admired greatly by fans, other musicians and by The Stables staff and volunteers. She will be greatly missed, but her unique talent will always be remembered.”

Who was Cleo Laine? More details about the Jazz singer explored as she passed away at 97

The English singer and actress began her career as a band member in Johnny Dankworth's seven. As a relatively unknown artist, Laine was surprised that Dankworth and his group recognized her potential and recruited her to join them.

She told The Guardian in 1997:

“I was amazed they liked me. I had begun to think auditions were my hobby, I’d been rejected on dozens of them, and talent competitions too.”

They performed at several jazz clubs in London. She transitioned into Johnny Dankworth’s big bands, Johnny Dankworth and his Orchestra, and Johnny Dankworth and His New Radio Orchestra, where she played till 1958 when she married Johnny Dankworth. The couple remained married until Dankworth passed away in 2010.

Claine was famous for her four-octave singing range and recorded critically-acclaimed albums like Cleo Laine Sings Pierrot Lunaire And Songs By Ives and Cleo Sings Sondheim. She earned a Grammy Award for her 1983 album. Cleo at Carnegie: The 10th Anniversary Concert. Her impressive resume included collaborations with Ray Charles, Mel Tormé, James Galway, Annie Ross, and a residency with Frank Sinatra in 1992.

Cleo Laine is survived by her two children, Jacqui and Alec Dankworth.

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