LOS ANGELES – Marlena Shaw, the esteemed soul and jazz vocalist celebrated for timeless hits such as “California Soul” and “Woman of the Ghetto,” has peacefully passed away at the age of 81, as announced by her daughter, Marla Bradshaw, in a video shared on Facebook. The announcement was made on Friday, and although the cause of death was not disclosed, Bradshaw assured that Shaw’s passing was serene.
In the heartfelt video message, Bradshaw conveyed the somber news, saying, “It’s with a very heavy heart 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 was peaceful. We were at peace.” Bradshaw further revealed that Shaw spent her final moments listening to some of her favorite songs.
Shaw first gained prominence in 1966 after signing with Chess Records, subsequently releasing two albums under the music label’s subsidiary Cadet Records: “Out of Different Bags” (1967) and “The Spice of Life” (1969). The latter featured the widely acclaimed tracks “California Soul” and “Woman of the Ghetto.” Notably, “California Soul,” penned by Ashford & Simpson, became a sample source for various artists and found its way into numerous TV commercials.
Transitioning to Blue Note Records in 1972, Shaw continued to contribute to the world of music with her third studio album, “Marlena,” released in the same year. Her catalog at Blue Note included albums like “From the Depths of My Soul” (1973), “Marlena Shaw Live at Montreux” (1974), “Who Is This Bitch, Anyway?” (1975), and “Just a Matter of Time” (1976).
In 1977, Shaw released the LP “Sweet Beginnings” on Columbia Records, featuring tracks such as “Yu Ma / Go Away Little Boy” and “Look at Me, Look at You.”
Born Marlina Burgess on September 22, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York, Shaw embarked on her music career in the 1960s, captivating audiences with her performances in jazz clubs. Her musical journey spanned multiple decades, during which she released a total of 17 albums across eight different record labels.
Verve Records, who collaborated with Shaw in 1987, expressed their sorrow on Facebook, stating, “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.” Shaw’s legacy remains indelible in the world of soul and jazz, leaving an enduring impact on music enthusiasts worldwide.
