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The Passing of an Icon: Jazz Legend Dame Cleo Laine
Renowned jazz singer Dame Cleo Laine, celebrated for her extraordinary vocal range and diverse musical abilities, has passed away at the age of 97.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dame Cleo made history as the first British vocalist to win a Grammy Award in the jazz genre, sharing the stage with legends like Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.
Yet, her most significant partnership was with her late husband, musician and composer John Dankworth, with whom she launched her career in the 1950s.
The couple also founded the Stables arts center in Buckinghamshire, where Dame Cleo was a revered figure and Life President. The center expressed deep sadness at the news of her demise, stating, “one of its founders and Life President, Dame Cleo Laine has passed away.”
Chairman of the Stables charity, David Meadowcroft, praised Dame Cleo as a remarkable artist cherished worldwide, noting her dedication in providing young individuals with opportunities in music and education, which will endure through the ongoing work of The Stables.
Monica Ferguson, chief executive, and artistic director at The Stables, hailed Dame Cleo’s influence, declaring her admiration from fans, fellow musicians, and staff, emphasizing that while she will be greatly missed, her unparalleled talent will always be treasured.
Recognized for her striking green eyes, distinctive curly hair, and resonant contralto voice, Dame Cleo solidified her place as one of Britain’s most recognizable jazz vocalists.
Her remarkable four-octave vocal range enabled her to perform an eclectic repertoire ranging from classical pieces by Schoenberg to witty songs such as a Spike Milligan composition about a man with an excess of tonsils.
A prominent music critic once declared her as one of Britain’s dual contributions to jazz, humorously comparing her importance to that of gin, while the Sunday Times lauded her as “quite simply the best singer in the world.”
Born Clementine Dinah Hitching on October 28, 1927, in Southall, Middlesex, Dame Cleo’s musical journey was deeply influenced by her father Alex Campbell, a Jamaican war veteran with a passion for singing, and her mother, Minnie Hitching, who faced the disapproval of her family due to racial prejudices.
Despite financial constraints, Dame Cleo’s parents managed to provide her with music lessons, sparking her lifelong passion for performance and leading her to her path in jazz.
From humble beginnings, Dame Cleo’s relentless dedication to her craft and perseverance through turbulent times ultimately catapulted her to the spotlight, a journey paved with auditions, hardships, and unwavering determination.
Having emerged from adversity, Dame Cleo’s legacy as an incomparable jazz icon remains indelible, leaving an enduring impact on audiences worldwide.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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