Jazz and soul singer Marlena Shaw dies aged 81 as family and fans emotionally pay tribute

Marlena Shaw, the amazing singer known for 'California Soul,' has passed away at 81. Her family shared this sad news yesterday.

Her daughter took to Facebook on Friday night to share the news, with fans now remembering Marlena in touching tributes. 

Marlena was born in New York and started singing jazz in the 1960s. She worked with a famous trumpet player named Howard McGhee. People really liked her singing, and she got to make records with Chess Records in Chicago. Her music was special because both jazz lovers and RandB fans enjoyed it.

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In the 1970s, Marlena became very popular. She was beautiful and had an amazing voice that people all over the world liked. She made great songs like "Woman of the Ghetto" and "California Soul." Lots of people still listen to "California Soul," which has been played more than 100 million times on Spotify and was even in a KFC commercial.

Her silky voice and deep lyrics won over audiences. She became even more famous when she joined Columbia Records, and her 1977 album Sweet Beginnings made it into the top 20. For the next ten years, she also worked with Verve, Polydor, and Concord Jazz, releasing albums until the early 2000s. 

She was known for her versatile talent, performing pop, soul, jazz, and more with perfect phrasing.

Marlena's daughter Marla shared a video message saying that it was with "a heavy heart" that she was announcing her mother's death, but she knows her mom "is in heaven now and at peace."

In the touching video, Marla mentioned how fans would have seen her late mother celebrating a family birthday recently - something Marla and her twin sister were "very grateful" for. She said she "didn't want to go into too much detail" about her mother's death, but it was "peaceful".

Marla revealed that her mother was "listening to her favorite songs" as she passed away. She also told fans that the family will provide a PO Box address for those who wish to send condolences. Marlena's fans quickly sent their love and support to their late idol's child after the sad news.

"I am so sorry to hear about this! Your mom was extremely talented and she will never be forgotten! Please be strong. We are all here for you," one of Marlena's fans commented under Marla's video. "Marla, my sincere love and condolences to you and the family," another wrote. 

"I am devastated but it was a blessing to know your Mom and to meet you here on FB. Her music lives forever and we will never forget her. She was a most spectacular lady and artist. Please keep us in the loop and know that we are thinking of you so much. Love, Vincent."

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.