Dame Cleo Laine, Celebrated British Jazz Singer and Tony-Nominated Actress, Dies at 97…read more…
Dame Cleo Laine, the legendary British jazz singer known for her extraordinary vocal range and seamless crossover into theater, died on July 25 at the age of 97. Her death was confirmed by her family, who called her “a guiding light of musical excellence and fierce determination.”
With a four-octave range and the ability to transition between jazz, classical, and Broadway effortlessly, Laine carved a singular path in the music and theater industries. Over a career that spanned more than seven decades, she worked with jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, and John Dankworth—her husband and frequent musical collaborator.
Born Clementina Dinah Campbell in 1927 in Southall, West London, to a Jamaican father and English mother, Laine faced discrimination and economic hardship early in life. Her musical talent emerged early, but she did not initially pursue a professional career. Instead, she worked in various day jobs, including as a hairdresser, before auditioning for the Dankworth Seven band in 1950. That audition would change the trajectory of her life.
She soon married bandleader John Dankworth, and the two became one of the most formidable musical duos in Britain. Together, they pushed jazz into new spaces in British culture, founding the Stables Theatre in Wavendon in 1970, a venue that became a hub for jazz and classical performance in the U.K.
Laine’s voice was her most talked-about asset—a unique instrument capable of scatting, crooning, and soaring in operatic fashion. Critics often marveled at her control and expressiveness, and she was equally comfortable interpreting Shakespeare as she was improvising bebop solos.
In 1972, she earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance as Princess Puffer in the Broadway musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood. This performance established her as an international theatrical talent, not just a vocalist. Her U.S. presence grew steadily, and she performed at Carnegie Hall and other prestigious venues.
Laine made history as the only female vocalist to receive Grammy nominations in jazz, classical, and pop categories. She won a Grammy Award in 1986 for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female, for Cleo at Carnegie: The 10th Anniversary Concert. That same year, she became the first British female jazz singer to be nominated for a Grammy.
In 1997, she was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II, a recognition of her immense contribution to British music and culture. Laine was also a recipient of the Gold Badge Award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.
Though she slowed her performing schedule in later years, Laine continued to be an active presence in the music world well into her 90s. She gave her last public performance in 2019, a brief but emotional appearance at the Stables Theatre during a tribute concert to John Dankworth, who passed away in 2010.
The outpouring of tributes following her death reflects the deep respect and admiration she garnered from both peers and fans. Jazz singer Gregory Porter posted, “Dame Cleo was a pioneer and an inspiration. Her voice reached across oceans, genres, and hearts.” British Prime Minister Harriet James called her “a national treasure whose artistry was a gift to generations.”
Laine’s influence was especially profound among young British jazz musicians. She mentored numerous artists and remained an advocate for jazz education throughout her life. The Cleo Laine and John Dankworth Foundation, established in 1994, continues to support music education and performance across the U.K.
She is survived by her children, including son Alec Dankworth, an accomplished jazz bassist, and several grandchildren. Her family released a statement saying, “She gave everything to her music and to us. The world has lost a voice like no other, but her legacy will echo forever.”
Cleo Laine’s passing marks the end of an era in British music. As the last surviving member of a golden generation of British jazz vocalists, her loss is deeply felt. But her legacy is permanent, etched in vinyl records, theater programs, and the memories of countless fans who witnessed her transformative performances.
In a 2002 interview, Laine was asked what she believed to be her greatest achievement. She replied, “To be able to sing for people and make them feel something—that’s the real reward. Everything else is a bonus.” That humility, matched with her unparalleled talent, is what endeared her to audiences worldwide.
Services will be private, with a public memorial concert to be announced in the coming weeks, according to the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Stables Theatre Trust or the Cleo Laine and John Dankworth Foundation.
In remembering Cleo Laine, the music world not only honors a legendary voice but celebrates the enduring power of artistry, resilience, and passion. At 97, she remained a symbol of what it means to live creatively and fully—a tru
e dame in every sense of the word.
