Jackson Mayor Announces Death of Grammy-Winning Jazz Singer Cassandra Wilson at 70
Cassandra Wilson, a Grammy-winning jazz vocalist and native of Jackson, Mississippi, died on Tuesday at age 70, prompting a statement from the city mayor.
Jackson Mayor John Horhn issued a statement on Wednesday following the death of Cassandra Wilson, a 70-year-old Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist who was born in Jackson. Hinds County Coroner Jeramiah Howard confirmed that Wilson passed away in Jackson on Tuesday morning.
Wilson, who blended jazz, blues, gospel and folk in her performances, was known for her distinctive vocal style and emotional depth. She attended Jackson State University and Millsaps College before launching a career that earned multiple Grammy Awards and widespread critical acclaim.
In his remarks, Horhn highlighted Wilson’s role in preserving Mississippi’s musical traditions and connecting generations through her work. He noted that TIME magazine once named her “America’s best singer,” and said her Grammy wins reflected the respect she garnered across the music industry.
The mayor expressed condolences to Wilson’s family, friends, fellow musicians and fans, and said her legacy would continue to influence future artists and bring pride to her hometown.