Jazz singer Cassandra Wilson has died

Jazz singer Cassandra Wilson, a two-time Grammy winner, has died at the age of 70. Her manager confirmed that she passed away peacefully at her home in Jackson, Mississippi, surrounded by family, close friends, and her manager. The cause of death was not disclosed. Wilson was born in 1955 in Jackson, Mississippi. She began her career in the 1980s in New York and gained recognition as a member of the M-Base collective led by saxophonist Steve Coleman. Known for her deep voice and unique style that blended jazz with blues, folk, and other musical traditions, she became one of the standout jazz vocalists of her generation. Her debut solo album, Point of View, was released in 1986. In 1993, Blue Note Records released her breakthrough album, Blue Light 'Til Dawn, which featured a mix of original compositions and covers of works by blues pioneers such as Robert Johnson and folk artists like Van Morrison and Joni Mitchell. This album marked her rise to prominence beyond the jazz scene. Wilson continued to gain acclaim with subsequent albums, including New Moon Daughter in 1995, which won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. She received another Grammy in 2009 for her album Loverly. Her work on Wynton Marsalis' Pulitzer Prize-winning oratorio Blood on the Fields further solidified her reputation as a significant artistic force. Throughout her career, Wilson explored a wide range of musical influences, from Brazilian bossa nova to hip-hop. Her collaborations included working with artists such as John Legend, Ravi Coltrane, and The Roots. Her final album, Coming Forth by Day, was rooted in the legacy of Billie Holiday and was released in 2015. Wilson was recognized for her contributions to music through honors such as being listed on the Mississippi Blues Trail and receiving accolades from the National Endowment for the Arts. She performed internationally, including appearances in Austria, where she paid homage to Billie Holiday in 2015. Her manager, Robert Torre, stated that Wilson's family and close friends requested privacy following her passing. Details regarding her health or specific circumstances surrounding her death have not been released. Wilson's influence extended beyond her recordings, inspiring fellow musicians such as Jon Batiste, who praised her ability to weave together diverse musical elements in a distinctive manner. Her legacy continues to resonate within the jazz community and beyond.