Cleo Laine, British Jazz Icon, Dies at 97

A Voice That Defined an Era

The world of jazz mourns the loss of Dame Cleo Laine, whose distinctive contralto voice captivated audiences for decades. Laine, widely considered Britain’s most significant contribution to jazz, passed away at the age of 97.

A Legacy of Innovation and Artistry

The Stables, a renowned music venue and charity co-founded by Laine and her late husband, jazz musician John Dankworth, announced her passing. Artistic Director Monica Ferguson stated, “Her unique talent will always be remembered.” Laine’s career defied categorization, stretching from the works of classical composers like Schoenberg and Schumann to acting roles on stage and screen, including a memorable portrayal of God.

Her artistic journey was deeply intertwined with John Dankworth, who discovered her and gave her the stage name “Cleo Laine” in 1951. The couple, both active performers well into their eighties, shared a profound artistic partnership until Dankworth’s death in 2010.

Trailblazing Achievements

In 1997, Cleo Laine made history as the first British jazz artist to receive a damehood, the female equivalent of a knighthood. Reflecting on the honor, she credited British jazz, saying, “It has given me a wonderful life, a successful career and an opportunity to travel the globe doing what I love to do.”

Humble Beginnings, Remarkable Rise

Born Clementina Dinah Campbell in 1927, Laine’s early life was marked by a love for music cultivated by her parents. Despite financial hardship during the Depression, her mother ensured she received piano, vocal, and dance lessons. Her performing journey began at age three, and by twelve, she had an uncredited role as a movie extra.

After leaving school at 14, Laine worked as a hairdresser while pursuing her singing aspirations, facing numerous rejections. Her breakthrough came in 1951 when she auditioned for the Johnny Dankworth Seven. Dankworth recalled the initial audition, where even the stoic trumpeter Jimmy Deuchar recognized her immense talent, exclaiming, “She’s got everything!”

Initially offered seven pounds a week, Laine, then nicknamed “Scruff” for her perceived lack of polish, insisted on her value. Her unique vocal style, described as “smoky” and possessing a remarkable range from tenor to contralto, quickly set her apart. By 1956 and 1957, she was topping Melody Maker’s “girl singer” category.

A Solo Force and Theatrical Acclaim

After marrying Dankworth in 1958, Laine decided to forge her own path, seeking a solo career rather than remaining solely a vocalist with his band. This decision led to a vibrant independent career, marked by a refusal to be confined by labels. “Whenever anybody starts putting a label on me, I say, ‘Oh, no you don’t,’ and I go and do something different,” Laine told The Associated Press in 1985.

Her acting career flourished with roles in acclaimed productions such as “Flesh to a Tiger” at the Royal Court Theatre, “Valmouth,” and “The Seven Deadly Sins.” Her performance in “Show Boat” in 1971 featured the memorable song “Bill.”

Laine’s presence grew in the United States starting in 1972, culminating in a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall with Dankworth the following year. Her album “Cleo at Carnegie” earned her a Grammy Award in 1986, the same year she received a Tony nomination for her role in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” A 2002 review in Variety praised her voice as “dark, creamy, remarkable range and control from bottomless contralto to a sweet clear soprano.”

In a poignant moment, during a concert celebrating The Stables’ 40th anniversary on February 6, 2010, Laine announced her husband’s passing shortly after their performance together. She attributed her vocal longevity to a cautious approach, explaining to the Boston Globe in 2003, “I was never a complete belter. There was always a protective side in me, and an inner voice always said, ‘Don’t do that — it’s not good for you and your voice.’”

Cleo Laine is survived by her son and daughter. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide, with contemporary artists like Samara Joy, a recent Grammy winner for Best New Artist, citing Laine as an influence.