Renowned British Jazz Star Cleo Laine Dies at 97 Years Old

Laine’s career spanned across the Atlantic, and she is considered the UK’s most successful and celebrated jazz singer.

Cleo Laine performs at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York on Nov. 17, 2003. Diane Bondareff/AP Photo

Acclaimed British Jazz singer Cleo Laine, known for her wide vocal range and repertoire, has died at 97 years old.

The Stables, a charity and venue Laine founded with her late jazz musician husband John Dankworth, said Friday it was “greatly saddened” by the news that “one of its founders and Life President, Dame Cleo Laine has passed away.”