Marlena Shaw, the influential voice of a generation celebrated for her soul and jazz melodies, has passed away at the age of 81. Renowned for masterpieces like California Soul and Woman of the Ghetto, her death has left a major void in the world of disco and R&B. On January 20, Marlena’s daughter Marla Bradshaw shared the news in a video posted on Facebook. The cause of death, however, was not revealed.
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Marlena Shaw dies at the age of 81
Marlena Shaw was more than just a one-hit wonder. Her career lasted for more than six decades. During her time in the spotlight, she explored various music genres like jazz, blues, and soul. In a video posted on Friday, Marlena’s daughter said,“It’s with a very heavy heart for myself and my family I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist Marlena Shaw has passed away today at 12:03.”
Marla Bradshaw further added, “She was peaceful. We were at peace., She went listening to some of her favorite songs.”
Fans mourn the loss
Who was Marlena Shaw?
Known for her versatile singing skills, Shaw gained fame when she signed with Chess Records in 1966. Under its Cadet Records subsidiary, the American jazz singer released two albums, including Out of Different Bags in 1967 and The Spice of Life in 1969. These albums featured two popular tracks, California Soul and Woman of the Ghetto, marking her breakthrough.
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In 1972, Marlena Shaw transitioned to a different record label, Blue Note Records. She produced songs such as Marlena, From the Depths of My Soul, and Just a Matter of Time. Later, in 1977, she released Sweet Beginnings under Columbia Records.
Verve record, with whom Shaw worked in 1987, in a statement to Hollywood reported said, “We are saddened by the passing of Marlena Shaw, a wonderful singer whose ‘California Soul’ is as popular today as it ever was and whose album ‘It Is Love: Recorded Live At Vine St.’ helped relaunch the Verve label in 1987.”
