A Legendary Departure
Dame Cleo Laine, one of Britain’s most revered jazz vocalists, passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on July 24, 2025, at her home in Wavendon, England. The announcement was made by The Stables, the music venue and charity she co-founded with her late husband, jazz composer Sir John Dankworth. The organization expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their founder and Life President, praising her lifelong contributions to British music.
A Voice Without Equal
Renowned for her rich contralto voice and extraordinary four-octave range, Cleo Laine had a genre-spanning career that included jazz, classical, and pop music. She was the only female artist ever nominated for Grammy Awards in all three genres and won the Best Jazz Vocal Performance Grammy in 1986 for Cleo at Carnegie: The 10th Anniversary Concert. Her vocal control, improvisational skill, and interpretive depth made her a unique figure in the global jazz scene.
Career and Collaborative Legacy
Laine began her professional music career in the early 1950s when she joined Johnny Dankworth’s jazz ensemble. The couple married in 1958 and together redefined British jazz through collaborative projects, international tours, and innovative music education. Cleo performed with legendary artists such as Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, James Galway, and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. In 1970, she and Dankworth founded The Stables in Buckinghamshire, which remains a premier music venue and educational institution.
Recognition and Personal Journey
Born Clementina Dinah Campbell in Uxbridge, Middlesex, in 1927, Cleo Laine was the daughter of a Jamaican father and an English mother. She overcame early career struggles, including working as a hairdresser and librarian, to become one of Britain’s most celebrated performers.
Lasting Influence and Emotional Tributes
Even into her later years, Laine continued to perform, appearing in theatre productions and concerts worldwide. She earned a Tony Award nomination in 1986 for her role in The Mystery of Edwin Drood on Broadway. Following her death, tributes poured in from fellow musicians, critics, and fans. The Stables vowed to continue her legacy by promoting music education and live performances. Her children, Jacqui and Alec Dankworth, both musicians, survive her and carry forward the family’s artistic heritage.
FAQs
Q1: When did Cleo Laine pass away, and at what age?
She passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 97, in Wavendon, England.
Q2: What made her voice special?
Cleo Laine was celebrated for her husky contralto voice and her remarkable four-octave range, making her one of the most technically gifted and expressive jazz vocalists in history.
Q3: What awards and honors did she receive?
She won a Grammy Award in 1986 and was honored with both an OBE and a Damehood — the highest civilian honors in Britain.
Q4: What is The Stables and why is it important?
The Stables is a music venue and educational charity founded by Cleo Laine and John Dankworth in 1970. It remains a major center for live music and training for aspiring musicians.
Q5: Who survives Cleo Laine?
She is survived by her children, Jacqui and Alec Dankworth. Her eldest son, Stuart, passed away in 2019.
