Grammy-winning jazz vocalist and composer Cassandra Wilson has passed away at the age of 70.
The Mississippi-born artist passed away in Jackson, Michigan, on Tuesday morning, September 1. According to a statement released by her manager to jazz radio station WBGO, Wilson died “peacefully at home, surrounded by family, close friends, and her manager.”
The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Tributes have poured in for the legendary singer from peers and fans across social media. Singer Jill Scott shared a heartfelt tribute, writing: “Soft warm sand. Deep purrs. Grand pourings. Passionate sincerity. Grace. Intensity. Wonderful Cassandra Wilson. Truly.”
On Instagram, musician Jools Holland expressed his sorrow, commenting that the news was “so sad to hear,” and added, “I send love and condolences to all her friends and family.” Skin of the band Skunk Anansie also paid tribute, writing, “Such sad news, she was a wonderful singer, best wishes to her family & friends.” A collection of additional tributes to the artist is featured below:
Soft warm sand. Deep purrs. Grand pourings. Passionate sincerity. Grace. Intensity. Wonderful Cassandra Wilson. Truly pic.twitter.com/W8e03f1iE0
— Jill Scott (@missjillscott) September 2, 2026
Very saddened by the news that Cassandra Wilson has passed away. One of the most distinctive voices in modern jazz, Cassandra wove an alluring tapestry of jazz, blues, folk & R&B into a singular sound that opened up new avenues of expression for vocal jazz pic.twitter.com/C6rcKTjze1
— Blue Note Records (@bluenoterecords) September 2, 2026
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, to Herman Fowlkes Jr. and Mary McDaniel, Cassandra Wilson was the youngest of three children. From an early age, she was immersed in the sounds of Motown and jazz, and began taking classical piano lessons at the age of six.
After learning the clarinet and performing in marching bands, her father encouraged her to teach herself guitar using Mel Bay method books. It was during this formative period that Wilson began composing her own folk songs.
Wilson attended Millsaps College and Jackson State University, where she studied mass communications. During her college years, she performed in a diverse array of bands, ranging from R&B and funk to pop cover bands. After graduating, she relocated to New Orleans to pursue a professional career in jazz, studying under renowned musicians such as Earl Turbinton, Alvin Batiste, and Ellis Marsalis.
Upon moving to New York, Wilson co-founded the influential M-Base collective alongside leader and alto saxophonist Steve Coleman. During this period, she focused on developing her unique improvisational vocal style and appeared on several of Coleman’s albums.
Throughout her distinguished career, Wilson released numerous solo albums, including her critically acclaimed 1988 debut ‘Blue Skies’. Her 1996 Blue Note release ‘New Moon Daughter’ earned her a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album in 1997, and her 2006 album ‘Loverly’ secured her another Grammy in 2007.