Cassandra Wilson has died. The Grammy-winning jazz singer, songwriter, and producer died early Wednesday morning in Jackson, Mississippi, as Variety announced. The cause of death was not initially disclosed. Her longtime manager, Robert Torre, said she died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, close friends, and himself. In the statement, her family and friends also asked for privacy. Wilson was 70 years old and was regarded for decades as a distinctive voice in American jazz, drawing on influences from blues and funk.
Robert Torre Confirms His Death at Home
"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cassandra Wilson, the Grammy-winning and legendary jazz artist." , according to Robert Torre Variety. It was also reported that the singer had died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, close friends, and her manager. Wilson was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and remained closely connected to her hometown. Over the course of her career, she won two Grammys: in 1997 for “New Moon Daughter” and in 2009 for “Loverly,” both in jazz categories.
Early Start in Mississippi and Move to New York
Music was a part of her life from an early age. She was born on December 4, 1955, the daughter of jazz guitarist Herman B. Fowlkes and an elementary school teacher. She began playing the piano at age six, took up the guitar at twelve, and later became a professional singer. She earned a degree in mass communication from Jackson State University. In 1982, she moved to New York with her then-husband, Anthony Wilson. There, she founded the M-Base collective with saxophonist Steve Coleman; the group also included Geri Allen and Greg Osby.
Blue Note helped establish Cassandra Wilson's international reputation
Her solo debut, *Point of View*, was released in 1986. Several other projects followed before she released *Blue Light ’Til Dawn* on Blue Note Records in 1993. The album blended blues, jazz, and pop and broke with traditional jazz conventions. She later continued down this path with original compositions and reinterpretations. She sang songs by Neil Young, Cyndi Lauper, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, and U2. Her latest solo album, “Coming Forth by Day,” was released in 2015 as a tribute to Billie Holiday.
