Jazz icon Cassandra Wilson passes away at 70 in Jackson. (Instagram)

Cassandra Wilson, a renowned jazz singer who had won Grammys for her contributions to the music industry, has passed away. She was 70 years old at the time of her passing. She is remembered for her soulful vocals and for pioneering the jazz genre.

Cassandra Wilson passes away at 70 years old

Cassandra Wilson left for her heavenly abode on September 1 in her home in Jackson, Mississippi. Her longtime manager, Robert Torre, shared the news of Wilson’s passing while talking to Radio Station WBGO. He stated, “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.”A cause of death was not given to the public at the time of writing.

Tributes pour in for Cassandra Wilson

As soon as the news of the singer’s passing was shared online, tributes started pouring in for the two-time Grammy-winning icon. Musician Jon Batiste posted an old interview video of Cassandra on his Instagram page and shared a heartfelt tribute in the caption, remembering the icon for her talent, personality, and contribution to the music industry. He wrote, “Wow, Cassandra. As I prepare to travel to Rio this week to perform at Rock in Rio, I am reflecting on my first trip to Brazil at 22 years old as a member of the Cassandra Wilson tour. I learned so much from her, and I am so sad she has passed away. She had an unmistakable vocal tone and phrasing, and her approach of weaving folkloric, R&B, and diasporic music together with experimental and popular genres had a major impact on me.”He further opened up about how they toured the world and how she greatly honoured her Mississippi roots, keeping them present in everything she did. He also recalled how natural it felt to perform alongside her for the first time, despite not having met before that. Looking back at his fond memories of the singer, he concluded his post by sharing, “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.”Jackson Mayor John Horhn told WJTV, “Cassandra Wilson carried the sound, spirit, and history of Mississippi with her wherever her music reached. Her work had a rare depth of character and a profound understanding of how music moves people, tells stories, and connects generations.” He also added that Jackson “has lost an extraordinary native daughter, and the world has lost a singular musical voice.”Many people in Batiste’s comment section also shared their love and respect for the singer, with one person posting, “Sorry to hear this! Jô was also a national treasure who’s no longer with us. While our hearts go out to you and her family, we are excited to welcome you back," while another person shared, “An icon has left; she will be truly missed.”

Who was Cassandra Wilson?

Cassandra Wilson was born on December 4, 1955, and worked as a jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi. Her early years were spent inspired by music, as her father, Herman Fowlkes Jr., used to work as a guitarist, bassist, and music teacher. Her mother, Mary McDaniel, had a PhD in education and worked as an elementary teacher.From the age of six to thirteen, she learned how to play the piano professionally and later in school joined the marching band, playing the clarinet. She showed interest in Motown, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk from an early age thanks to her parents' preferences in music, and when she went to college, she started taking up performing gigs at local coffee shops. She also performed regularly with local bands and honed her singing skills during this time.She was known for immersing herself in different kinds of genres, including folk music, as well as R&B, funk, and pop. After moving to New Orleans for a job, she trained under some of the major figures in the jazz scene, which included Earl Turbinton, Alvin Batiste, and Ellis Marsalis, who all encouraged her to pursue music more seriously.Over the course of her career in the music industry, the singer won a lot of praise and acclaim for her voice and was even honoured with some of the most prestigious awards and titles. She won two Grammy Awards for her work and was also honoured with the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master. This is regarded as one of the highest accolades that is awarded to jazz musicians in the United States. Other than that, in 2001, according to Time Magazine, she was named one of America's best singers too.Cassandra Wilson is remembered for her 44 years' worth of contributions to the music industry, along with her nearly 200 recorded songs across her solo discography and major collaborations.