Cleo Laine, a British singer who excelled at the primarily American music genre of jazz, has died at age 97. Cleo Laine, whose husky contralto was one of the most distinctive voices in jazz and who was regarded by many as Britain’s greatest contribution to the quintessentially American music, has died. AdvertisementMusic JAZZ REVIEW : An Evening With Cleo Laine at the Hollywood Bowl Spending an evening with Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, even outdoors at the Hollywood Bowl, is not unlike sitting by the fireside, admiring its beauty and being warmed by its glow. AdvertisementA decade later, in 1951, she tried out for the Johnny Dankworth Seven, and succeeded. “Clementina Campbell” was judged too long for a marquee, so she became Cleo Laine.

Source: The Times July 25, 2025 23:35 UTC