American jazz singer Cassandra Wilson dies at 70

Cassandra Wilson, whose deep and expressive contralto helped make her one of American jazz’s best-known voices, has died at 70 in Jackson, Mississippi.

Her longtime agent, Robert Torre, announced the death in a statement. He said Wilson “passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, close friends and her manager,” and called her a “legendary jazz artist.” The cause of death was not disclosed, and Torre asked that the family’s privacy be respected.

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Cassandra Wilson passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, close friends and her manager.

Wilson built an international reputation as a singer, songwriter, performer and producer over a career lasting nearly three decades. Her work included collaborations with saxophonist Steve Coleman and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.

She won two Grammy Awards. In 1997, she received the award for best jazz vocal performance for “New Moon Daughter.” Twelve years later, she won the Grammy for best album for “Loverly.”

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legendary jazz artist