Grammy-winning jazz singer Dame Cleo Laine has died aged 97.
Dame Cleo was a leading figure of the British jazz scene for many years and worked with the likes of Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.
Her famed scat singing style, her remarkable range from tenor to contralto and her smoky voice made her Britain’s most successful jazz singer, earning her the nickname the First Lady of Jazz.
“It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved mother, Cleo, who died peacefully yesterday afternoon,” her children Jacqui and Alec Dankworth said.
“We will all miss her terribly. The family wish to be given space to grieve and ask for privacy at this very difficult time.”
Dame Cleo’s husband, saxophonist Sir John Dankworth, died aged 82 in 2010 after being a mainstay of the British jazz scene for more than 50 years.
The couple founded a charity and venue called The Stables in 1970 to “ensure young people have access to great music and music education”, David Meadowcroft, chairman of the charity, said, adding that The Stables would continue the couple’s commitment.
He added that Dame Cleo “was a remarkable performer who was loved by audiences around the world”.
Monica Ferguson, artistic director of The Stables, said the singer “will be greatly missed, but her unique talent will always be remembered”.
Born Clementina Dinah Campbell, the singer grew up with her Jamaican father and English mother in Southall, west London, where she was supported by her father’s busking talents.
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She became a professional jazz singer in her mid-20s when she successfully auditioned for the Johnny Dankworth Seven in 1951 and changed her name to Cleo Laine.
Seven years later, Dame Cleo married Sir John. Their son Alec was born in 1960, a year before his mother scored a top 10 hit with You’ll Answer To Me, before daughter Jacqueline followed in 1963.
In 1973, Dame Cleo and Sir John drew a sold-out crowd at New York’s Carnegie Hall and launched a series of popular concerts.
She received a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for Cleo At Carnegie in 1986.
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In the 1997 Birthday Honours, the singer became the first British jazz artist to be made a dame.
Her career was later also honoured with a Life Achievement Award at the British Jazz Awards in 2002.
