Cassandra Wilson, an award-winning Jazz musician, has sadly passed away at the age of 70. Long-time manager, Robert Torre, shared the news of Cassandra's death via WBGO.
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"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Cassandra Wilson, the Grammy Award-winning and legendary jazz artist," Torre said. "Cassandra Wilson transitioned peacefully at home, surrounded by family, close friends, and her manager."
Torre then continued by asking that Cassandra's family be given the privacy they deserve in such a difficult time.
"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."
Shortly after the news of Cassandra's death became public, John Horhn, the mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, shared a statement via local station WLBT.
"Jackson has lost an extraordinary native daughter, and the world has lost a singular musical voice," Horhn said. "Cassandra Wilson carried the sound, spirit and history of Mississippi with her wherever her music reached."
Cassandra enjoyed a legendary career in which she performed with multiple stars of the Jazz world. Those stars include The Roots, Elvis Costello, and Wynton Marsalis, among others. She won two Grammy Awards during her career, the first in 1995 and the second in 2008.
Jon Batiste Pays Tribute to Cassandra Wilson Pour In
The talented Jon Batiste also paid tribute to Cassandra upon learning of her passing.
"Wow, Cassandra,"
Batiste wrote on Facebook. "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, phrasing, and her approach of weaving folkloric, R&B, and diasporic music together with experimental and popular genres had a major impact on me."Currently, there's no information regarding Cassandra's impending funeral or celebration of life. That information is expected to remain private for family and close friends.
The world has lost another great musician.
