The entertainment world has suffered another loss. The renowned jazz singer Cleo Laine has passed away, her family confirmed in a statement, in which they ask for respect during this difficult time. Here is everything we know about her death.
How did Cleo Laine die?
In the statement, her children Jacqui and Alec reported that the singer peacefully passed away on the afternoon of Thursday, July 24. They also requested space for mourning and privacy for the family; however, they did not disclose the cause of death of the famous performer.
It is believed that it may have been due to natural causes because of her age. The family did not indicate whether Cleo had any prior health problems before her death.
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How old was Cleo Laine?
At the time of her death, the singer was 97 years old.
What was Cleo Laine’s net worth?
Information about Cleo Laine’s net worth is not public; however, throughout her career, she became England’s most successful jazz singer, which likely brought her significant income over several decades.
Who was Cleo Laine?
Cleo Laine, born on October 28, 1927, in Southall, Middlesex, England, was one of the most iconic voices in British jazz and a versatile actress recognized worldwide. Coming from a mixed background—her father was Jamaican and her mother English—Laine left school at age 14 to pursue a career in the arts. During those early years, she worked various jobs while chasing her dream of becoming a professional singer.
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Her big break came in 1951 when she was hired as the vocalist for the jazz group Johnny Dankworth Seven, led by musician Johnny Dankworth, whom she also married in 1958. It was then that she adopted the stage name “Cleo Laine,” which was easier to remember. During the seven years she spent with the band, she not only built a strong fan base but also began recording her first albums.
Beyond her success in jazz, Laine demonstrated remarkable interpretive versatility. Her repertoire included lieder, classic blues, pop music, and complex works by contemporary composers like Arnold Schoenberg. This diversity made her the only singer nominated for Grammy Awards in the jazz, popular, and classical categories. Her talent was recognized in 1986 when she won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female for her album Cleo at Carnegie: The 10th Anniversary Concert.
Laine’s career was not limited to music. She also shone on stage, performing in classic plays by Euripides, Shakespeare, and Ibsen, as well as in notable musicals such as Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. She even ventured into film, appearing in movies like the comedy The Last of the Blonde Bombshells (2000).
In 1969, together with her husband, she founded the charitable organization Wavendon AllMusic Plan, dedicated to making music more accessible to all. She was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1977 and later elevated to Dame Commander (DBE) in 1997. Additionally, she shared her story and advice in her autobiographies Cleo (1994) and You Can Sing If You Want To (1997). Her legacy continues to inspire artists and jazz lovers worldwide.
