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| Marlena Shaw passes away at 81. |
Renowned songstress Marlena Shaw, celebrated for her soulful melodies and jazz prowess, has bid farewell at the age of 81, leaving a profound void in the realms of disco and R&B.
The news of her passing was shared by her daughter, Marla Bradshaw, in a poignant Facebook video on January 20. Despite the somber announcement, the cause of Marlena Shaw's demise remains undisclosed.
Beyond being a mere musical luminary, Marlena Shaw's illustrious career spanned over six decades, showcasing her versatility across genres such as jazz, blues, and soul. In a heartfelt message, Marla Bradshaw expressed, "It's with a very heavy heart 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."
Marlena Shaw's musical journey began to flourish when she inked a deal with Chess Records in 1966. Subsequently, under the Cadet Records subsidiary, she delivered musical gems in albums like "Out of Different Bags" (1967) and "The Spice of Life" (1969), featuring breakout hits such as "California Soul" and "Woman of the Ghetto."
Transitioning to Blue Note Records in 1972, Shaw continued to captivate audiences with songs like "Marlena," "From the Depths of My Soul," and "Just a Matter of Time." Her artistic evolution persisted, with the 1977 release of "Sweet Beginnings" under Columbia Records.
Reflecting on her impact, Verve Records, where Shaw collaborated in 1987, lamented her passing, stating, "We are saddened by the passing of Marlena Shaw, a wonderful singer whose 'California Soul' is as popular today as it ever was and whose album 'It Is Love: Recorded Live At Vine St.' helped relaunch the Verve label in 1987."
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