Trailblazing jazz great Cassandra Wilson has died at the age of 70.
The singer passed away on Wednesday (02.09.26) in her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi.
Hinds County coroner Jeramiah Howard confirmed her death to The New York Times, but no cause of death is known at this time.
Her longtime manager Robert Torre shared a statement with jazz radio station WBGO, saying: “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.”
Cassandra became a key figure in New York’s forward-thinking jazz community during the 1980s, working alongside saxophonist Steve Coleman as part of the M-Base movement and later hitting the road with New Air. Her adventurous ear led her to reinterpret songs by artists as varied as Joni Mitchell, Robert Johnson, The Monkees and Hank Williams.
She launched her solo career with Point of View in 1986, but it was New Moon Daughter that brought her first Grammy in 1995 for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. A second win followed in 2009 for Loverly, cementing her reputation as one of the most original and influential jazz vocalists of her era.
She collaborated regularly, including with Luther Vandross on his 1998 album, I Know, and opened for jazz legend Miles Davis.
Musician Jon Batiste, who toured with Cassandra early in his career, posted a heartfelt tribute reflecting on her influence.
He wrote on Facebook: “I learned so much from her and I am so sad she has passed away.
“She had an unmistakable vocal tone, phrasing and her approach of weaving folkloric, R’n’B and diasporic music together with experimental and popular genres had a major impact on me. She sounded like the south. Her Mississippi heritage was always present in everything no matter how expansive her artistry evolved.”
He recalled performing with her for the first time without rehearsal, calling it an “audition” that led to years of touring together.
He added: “She was one of the first people to take me on tour around the world, the great Cassandra Wilson. Sending our condolences to the family.”
Tributes have continued across the music world. Skin of Skunk Anansie wrote: “Such sad news, she was a wonderful singer, best wishes to her family and friends.” Jools Holland, who had Cassandra on Later… with Jools Holland, also paid his respects, while Jill Scott shared a poetic message: “Soft warm sand. Deep purrs. Grand pourings. Passionate sincerity. Grace. Intensity. Wonderful Cassandra Wilson. Truly.”
