Legendary jazz singer Marlena Shaw dies aged 81

Jazz and soul singer Marlena Shaw has died at the age of 81, her family has announced.

The star, best known for her rendition of California Soul, died peacefully at home, her daughter Marla confirmed in a Facebook video announcing her passing.

She said: ‘Hello everyone, it is with a very heavy heart that for myself and my family, I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist, Marlena Shaw, has passed away today at 12:03.

‘She was peaceful. We were at peace. Our family again is at peace. She went very peacefully.’

Marla added that she ‘didn’t want to go into too much detail’ of her mother’s death but said Marlena died while listening to some of her favourite songs.

Jazz and soul singer Marlena Shaw has died at the age of 81, her family has confirmed (pictured in 2009)

The star, best known for her rendition of California Soul, died peacefully at home, her daughter Marla confirmed in a Facebook video announcing her passing (pictured in 1977)

Marla added that she ‘didn’t want to go into too much detail’ of her mother’s death but said Marlena died while listening to some of her favourite songs (pictured in 2006)

Born in New Rochelle, New York, Marlena began singing in jazz clubs in the 1960s during her spare time.

Her career took off in 1966 when she landed a gig performing with the Playboy Club in Chicago.

It was through performing there that she met  with representatives of the Chess Records music label and signed with them.

She released her first two albums with the label and the 1969 song California Soul which would go on to become one of her best known hits.

It continues to be popular today and has over 100 million streams on Spotify.

She continued to perform in the following decade and recorded the theme song Don’t Ask to Stay Until Tomorrow for the 1977 film Looking for Mr. Goodbar.

Marlena’s career continued into the 2000s with her last album Lookin’ for Love released in 2004.

Several fans took to social media to pay tribute to the star, with one writing on X: ‘RIP Marlena Shaw and thank you for the music.’

The 1969 song California Soul which would go on to become one of her best known hits

Several fans took to social media to pay tribute to the star, with one writing on X: ‘RIP Marlena Shaw and thank you for the music’

Another wrote: ‘RIP Marlena Shaw. One of the truly great vocalists, able to effortlessly switch between jazz, blues and soul and excel in all three.’

A third added: ‘RIP Marlena Shaw… one of the greatest sings,’ while a fourth penned: ‘Rest in peace to the legendary Marlena Shaw.’

Another wrote: ‘So sad to learn of the passing of jazz/soul singer Marlena Shaw. I adored her. She may not have had a mega hit like I Will Survive or I Will Always Love You, but her wondderful music is essential listening to discerning ears.’

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