LONDON (AP) — Cleo Laine, the renowned British jazz vocalist whose deep and husky contralto voice captivated audiences for decades, has passed away at the age of 97. The Stables, a charity and music venue that Laine co-founded with her late husband, jazz musician John Dankworth, expressed deep sorrow over her demise, affirming that she will be greatly missed but her remarkable talent will endure in memory.
Laine's illustrious career transcended genres and continents. Throughout her life, she performed works from notable composers such as Kurt Weill, Arnold Schoenberg, and Robert Schumann, showcasing her formidable abilities not only as a jazz singer but also as an actress on stage and in film. Notably, she took on the role of God in Benjamin Britten's "Noye’s Fludde," demonstrating her multifaceted talents.
Brought into the world as Clementina Dinah Campbell in 1927, Laine was deeply influenced by her father's love for opera. Her Jamaican father, Alexander Campbell, made a modest living as a street singer during the Great Depression. Meanwhile, her British mother, Minnie, ensured that Laine received comprehensive instruction in piano, voice, and dance despite the family’s struggles.
Laine's artistic journey began at an astonishingly young age, performing at local events as early as age 3. By the age of 12, she had landed a role as a movie extra in "The Thief of Bagdad." However, after leaving school at 14, she faced multiple rejections in her quest to become a singer, initially working as a hairdresser instead.
Her break came in 1951 when she auditioned for the Johnny Dankworth Seven, marking the beginning of her professional music career. It was during this time that she adopted her stage name, Cleo Laine. She made an immediate impact, with Dankworth recognizing her unique talent that set her apart from other singers of the time. Laine was eventually offered a salary of £6 a week, which she successfully negotiated to £7.
Laine quickly garnered recognition in the music industry, becoming the runner-up in Melody Maker's "girl singer" category in 1952, later winning the title in 1956 and 1957. After marrying Dankworth in 1958 and navigating a divorce from her first husband, Laine started to pursue a solo career, believing that she could offer more to her audience beyond occasional performances with the band.
As her marriage flourished, so did her career, leading Laine to take on significant theatrical roles, including in plays such as "Flesh to a Tiger," "Valmouth," and "The Seven Deadly Sins." A pivotal moment came in 1971 when she starred in "Show Boat," which featured the show-stopping number "Bill." This performance solidified her status as a leading figure in the theater.
Laine's international recognition soared further with her 1972 concert at Alice Tully Hall in New York City, which, despite being sparsely attended, received critical acclaim from The New York Times. Subsequently, a sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall with Dankworth in 1973 marked the beginning of a successful series of concerts, culminating in her Grammy award-winning album "Cleo at Carnegie" in 1986. That year also saw her nominated for a Tony Award for her role in "The Mystery of Edwin Drood."
Even in later years, Laine’s vocal prowess remained noteworthy, with a 2002 review praising her remarkable range and musical imagination. One of her most poignant moments was during a concert on February 6, 2010, celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Stables, shortly after her husband’s passing. She addressed the audience with heartfelt sincerity, expressing sorrow for his absence.
Reflecting on her longevity and resilience in the industry, Laine noted in a 2003 interview that she had always tempered her singing while pursuing her passion, which she believed contributed significantly to her vocal health. Cleo Laine is survived by her two children, Alec and Jacqueline, leaving behind a legendary legacy in jazz and musical theater that will resonate for generations.
