Beloved Icon Marlena Shaw Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy of Soulful Music
“It is with a very heavy heart for me and my family that I must announce that our beloved mother, your cherished icon and artist Marlena Shaw, passed away today at 12:03,” said daughter Marla Bradshaw in a heartfelt video posted on Facebook on Friday. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, Bradshaw shared that her mother was at peace, surrounded by the music she loved.
A Journey of Musical Brilliance
Marlena Shaw rose to prominence in the music industry after signing with Chess Records in 1966. Two albums, “Out of Different Bags” in 1967 and “The Spice of Life” in 1969, were released under the label’s subsidiary Cadet Records. These albums featured popular tracks like “California Soul” and “Woman of the Ghetto,” both of which became iconic songs. “California Soul,” written by Ashford & Simpson, was frequently sampled by other artists and even featured in numerous television commercials.
In 1972, Shaw made a move to Blue Note Records and released her third studio album, “Marlena,” in the same year. This was followed by several more albums under the Blue Note label, including “From the Depths of My Soul” (1973), “Marlena Shaw Live at Montreux” (1974), “Who Is This Bitch, Anyway?” (1975), and “Just a Matter of Time” (1976).
Shaw’s musical journey continued in 1977 when she released the LP “Sweet Beginnings” for Columbia Records. This album featured standout tracks like “Yu Ma / Go Away Little Boy” and “Look at Me, Look at You.”
A Life Dedicated to Music
Born Marlina Burgess on September 22, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York, Marlena Shaw began her musical career in the 1960s by singing in jazz clubs. Her extraordinary talent and soulful voice captivated audiences, leading to a successful career that spanned several decades. Even in the 2000s, Shaw continued to perform live, showcasing her timeless artistry.
Throughout her career, Shaw released a total of 17 albums, collaborating with eight different record labels. Her music touched the hearts of listeners across generations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of soul and jazz.
A Fond Farewell from the Music Industry
Verve Records, which had the privilege of working with Shaw in 1987, expressed their deep sadness upon hearing the news of her passing. In a statement shared on Facebook, they wrote: “We are very saddened by the passing of Marlena Shaw, a wonderful singer whose ‘California Soul’ is as popular today as it has ever been, and whose album ‘It Is Love: Recorded Live At Vine St.’ helped relaunch Verve in 1987.”
Marlena Shaw’s contribution to the world of music will forever be remembered. Her soulful voice and powerful lyrics brought joy and inspiration to countless fans. As we mourn her loss, let us celebrate her legacy by immersing ourselves in the timeless melodies she left behind.
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