Marlena Shaw, ‘California Soul’ singer, dead at 81
Renowned jazz vocalist Marlena Shaw, celebrated for hits like ‘California Soul’ and ‘Woman of the Ghetto’, has passed away at the age of 81.
The tragic news was confirmed by Shaw’s daughter, Marla, on her Facebook page. She wrote: “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 added: “She was peaceful, we were at peace.”
Shaw’s impact extended across jazz, soul, disco, and R&B genres. She gained prominence in the 1960s when the Chess Records label discovered her and initially showcased her distinctive voice in the iconic ‘California Soul’. She later transitioned to a jazz-focused label.
Her lyrics conveyed the resilience of the Black American community and Black women during a period of significant racial tension in the country.
Shaw’s musical legacy transcended generations, finding frequent placement and sampling in popular media, TV commercials, and other songs. Her music has also been sampled by numerous hip-hop and R&B artists, attesting to the enduring influence of her work. Tracks like ‘Woman of the Ghetto’ have been trendy in the sampling culture.
In her later years, Shaw continued to perform and record music. She remained active in music, earning respect for her enduring talent and contributions to multiple genres.
Verve Records, who Shaw worked with in 1987, wrote on Facebook: “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.”
Check out ‘California Soul’ below.
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