– Marlena Shaw Nightclub Chanteuse
– Marlena Shaw Dies at 84.
Marlena Shaw, Sultry Jazz Singer, Dies at 84
Marlena Shaw, a renowned jazz singer known for her sultry stage presence and husky voice, passed away on January 19 at the age of 84. Her daughter, MarLa Bradshaw, announced her death on social media, although no further details were shared about the cause of her passing.
A Journey Through the Music Industry
Marlena Shaw made her mark in the music industry during the mid-1960s when she performed at Playboy Clubs across the United States. Her captivating performances garnered attention, and record companies soon started vying for her talent.
Ultimately, she signed with Cadet Records and released her recording of “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” in 1967. The vocal version of the Joe Zawinul tune climbed to No. 58 on the Billboard pop chart and No. 33 on the R&B chart.
Her talent caught the attention of legendary musician Count Basie, who invited her to audition for a spot in his band. Despite her initial doubts, Marlena Shaw impressed Basie and went on to perform with his band for several years. Through this experience, she learned valuable lessons about captivating audiences without the need for a frantic pace.
A Versatile Career
Marlena Shaw’s career spanned various musical genres and collaborations. She toured and performed alongside Sammy Davis Jr. and embarked on a successful solo career in the early 1970s.
In 1975, she released the album “Who Is This Bitch, Anyway?” under the jazz label Blue Note. The album showcased her unique style, including a skit where she portrayed a commanding yet down-and-out prostitute. The album’s songs narrated some of the experiences she had lived through.
Continuing to evolve, she released the disco album “Take a Bite” in 1979. Although she didn’t achieve mainstream recording success, Marlena Shaw remained a trusted force in jazz, consistently delivering captivating performances.
A Captivating Live Performer
Live performances became the focus of Marlena Shaw’s career. She honed her skills and developed a captivating stage presence, delighting audiences with her mischievous yet melancholic style.
Her ability to inject amusing and semi-improvised commentary within songs turned them into personal testimonies. Critics praised her for her unique ability to transform even the simplest of songs into jazz extravaganzas.
Despite some controversy surrounding her stage act, Marlena Shaw’s performances remained powerful and engaging. Her voice, described as having the cutting edge of a meat cleaver, evoked the ongoing battle of the sexes.
A Life Committed to Music
Marlena Shaw, born Marlina Burgess on September 22, 1939, in New Rochelle, N.Y., had a lifelong passion for music. Growing up, she sang in a church choir and even performed at the famous Apollo Theater during her girlhood.
Her musical journey began at a bowling alley where, with the courage fueled by two beers, she asked the bandleader if she could sing. This bold move led to her first paid gig as a singer. Throughout her career, she balanced her family life, being married to bassist Ed Boyer and raising five children, while continuing to tour extensively.
Remembering Marlena Shaw
Marlena Shaw’s music left an indelible mark on the industry, even if she didn’t achieve the widespread acclaim and celebrity that was once expected of her. Her records provided soundtracks for TV commercials and were sampled by various artists.
Before her passing, Marlena Shaw emphasized the importance of using everything she had onstage, except her age. Her legacy as a talented and charismatic jazz singer will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.
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1. Marlena Shaw Nightclub Chanteuse Dies at 84
2. Venerable Nightclub Chanteuse Marlena Shaw Passes Away at 84.
