Jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson, 70, dies in Mississippi
Two-time Grammy winner Cassandra Wilson died at age 70 in Jackson, Mississippi, surrounded by family and friends, prompting tributes from musicians and local officials.
Cassandra Wilson, a two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz singer, songwriter and producer, died on Tuesday morning in her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi, according to the Hinds County coroner. A statement from her manager said she passed away peacefully at home with family and close friends present.
Born in Jackson to musician Herman B. Fowlkes and teacher Mary Fowlkes, Wilson began piano lessons at six and later played clarinet in marching bands. After studying at Millsaps College and Jackson State University, she moved to New York City in the early 1980s, joining Steve Coleman’s M-Base Collective as its lead vocalist. Her distinctive contralto earned four Grammy nominations and two wins for best jazz vocal album, for “New Moon Daughter” (1997) and “Loverly” (2009).
Wilson’s career included a 2015 concert at the Apollo Theater honoring Billie Holiday and the release of her final album, “Coming Forth by Day,” the same year. In 2022 she was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master.
Musician Jon Batiste posted on Instagram that Wilson’s voice reflected her Southern roots and praised her blend of folk, R&B and jazz influences. Jackson Mayor John Horhn said the city had lost “an extraordinary native daughter” and noted her impact on music and cultural storytelling.