Marlena Shaw, the renowned jazz and soul singer who captivated audiences with her iconic recording of “California Soul,” has sadly passed away at the age of 81.
The news of Shaw’s death was confirmed by her daughter, Marla Bradshaw, in a heartfelt video posted on Facebook. With a heavy heart, Bradshaw announced that her beloved mother, the iconic artist Marlena Shaw, passed away on January 19 at 12:03 p.m.
Despite the sadness surrounding her passing, Bradshaw shared that her mother’s final moments were peaceful. Just the day before, Shaw had celebrated her birthday surrounded by loved ones. Bradshaw expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to share that special moment with her mother.
At the time of writing, no specific cause of death has been provided.
Shaw, born Marlina Burgess on September 22, 1939, in New Rochelle, New York, discovered her love for music through her uncle, Jimmy Burgess, a jazz trumpeter. It was under the stage name Marlena Shaw that she rose to fame, primarily known for her hit release of “California Soul” in 1969. The song, written by Ashford & Simpson, was released on Cadet Records, a subsidiary of Chess Records. Shaw’s albums, “From different bags” (1967) and “The spice of life” (1969), showcased her talent and included the widely-sampled tracks “California Soul” and “Woman of the Ghetto.”
“California Soul” has since been sampled by numerous artists, including Gang Starr and Stereo MC, and even received a remix by Diplo in 2008. The track’s popularity extended beyond the music industry, as it was licensed for use in commercials for Dodge, KFC, and Longshoremen.
In a 2009 interview, Shaw expressed her delight at hearing her music sampled, stating, “I think it’s great. Firstly, I love surprise and hearing what someone else’s idea is.” She playfully added, “But it kind of makes me feel like I’m the sun, you know, and I shine on all kinds of things.”
Throughout her career, Shaw released recordings on various labels, including Blue Note Records, Columbia, and Verve. Verve, in a statement following her passing, expressed their sadness and acknowledged the continued popularity of Shaw’s music, stating, “We are saddened by the passing of Marlena Shaw, a wonderful singer whose ‘California Soul’ and album are as popular today as ever.”
Live performances were a source of salvation for Shaw, who consistently worked on stage, captivating audiences with her voice. She embraced all types of venues, from intimate settings to performing with big bands, simply because she loved it.
In this time of mourning, Shaw’s family has provided an address for those who wish to express their condolences:
Mrs. Marlena Shaw and family
PO Box 335774
N. Las Vegas, NV 89033
Marlena Shaw’s musical legacy will undoubtedly live on, as her soulful tunes continue to resonate with fans around the world. Her contributions to jazz and soul music will forever be cherished, and her impact on the industry will never be forgotten..
