Cassandra Wilson, one of the premier jazz vocalists of her era, amassed a stellar career with the recognition from her peers and accolades to match. According to a note from her manager, Cassandra Wilson passed away on Wednesday (September 2) morning surrounded by her family and loved loved ones.
Cassandra Wilson was born on December 4, 1955, in Jackson, Mississippi. As a young girl, Wilson was trained to play the piano and later picked up guitar. In the mid-1970s, Wilson found work as a singer across several genres.
Her career expanded greatly after moving to New York and meeting saxophonist Steve Coleman, who introduced his “M-Base” theory, with Wilson joining the M-Base Collective and further developing her voice and style.
In 1992, Wilson signed with the famed Blue Note Records label, releasing her studio album Blue Light ’til Dawn in 1993. This shift in sound from her earlier works with the M-Base Collective would become a hallmark of her career as she grew both as a songwriter and producer.
While Wilson worked with a bevy of acts across the genres of R&B, jazz and big band, she also collaborated with The Roots. Wilson appeared on The Roots’ second album, Do You Want More?!!!??!, on the “Silent Treatment” track. She also appeared on the band’s third album, Illadelph Halflife, and the track “One Shine” with Joshua Redman.
Grammy-nominated Washington, D.C. singer, songwriter and rapper Kokayi took to social media and delivered a moving tribute to Wilson, mentioning that she had a sharp sense of humor despite her well-deserved reverence as an artist.
From Threads:
Cassandra was cool peoples. we met in Verona, that bamma could jone(sp?) with the best of em. she would pull up and hang back stage when we played the Knitting Factory and talk mad sh*t. it was always that way whenever we crossed paths. my partner didn’t believe we were cool in real life until we ran into her at the grammys and she went smack off rip, she started in and i snapped back. my ♐️ OG. rest well slim.
Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid also took to social media to deliver a note of condolences to Wilson’s family.
From X:
I was just informed by @kelvynbell about the untimely passing, this morning, of @reallycassandra. Both of our hearts are broken. We will not be the only ones. The Jazz & Pop worlds have lost a Voice Of Her Generation. I’m gutted. No other details at this time.
Jazz pianist ELEW also shared a loving tribute to Wilson via Instagram:
In her long career, Wilson won two Grammys, the Django D’Or, the Edison Music Awards, and in 2022, she was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship. She has collaborated with the likes of Elvis Costello, Terence Blanchard, Angelique Kidjo, Luther Vandross, Meshell Ndegeocello, and more.
Wilson’s manger Robert Torre, released a statement to jazz station WBGO:
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Cassandra Wilson, the Grammy Award-winning and legendary jazz artist. Cassandra Wilson transitioned peacefully at home, surrounded by family, close friends, and her manager.
Her family and close friends respectfully ask for privacy during this difficult time as they grieve her loss.
Further information regarding memorial services and arrangements will be shared at a later time.”
Wilson is survived by her son, Jeris.
Cassandra Wilson was 70. Learn more about her amazing life here.
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Photo: Getty
