'Laughs you've left in our hearts': Fans shattered as 'California Soul' singer Marlena Shaw dies at 81

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jazz and soul vocalist Marlena Shaw, well remembered for her 1969 rendition of 'California Soul,' has died. She was 81 years old.

Shaw's daughter Marla Bradshaw broke the news on Facebook on Friday, January 19. The cause of death remains undisclosed.

Bradshaw said in the video, "It is with a very heavy heart that for myself and my family, I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist, Marlena Shaw, has passed away today at 12.03."

"She was peaceful. We were at peace. Our family again is at peace. She went very peacefully," she added.

Although Bradshaw "didn't want to go into too much detail," she did mention that some of her favorite songs were playing as her mother died.

Marlena Shaw’s prolific career in jazz and soul music

A talent that ruled the hearts and minds of several generations of jazz listeners since the 1960s, Marlena Shaw had a lasting impact on the music industry as a whole. Modern hip-hop performers, for example, took inspiration from her work and created their own unique sound within the genre.

The iconic singer had a successful career spanning several decades, leaving behind a lasting legacy that was incorporated into popular culture as a result of her songs being featured in several commercials and famous motion pictures.

Shaw - who was born Marlina Burgess in New Rochelle, New York, on September 22, 1939 - previously said that she was motivated to pursue music by her uncle, jazz trumpet player Jimmy Burgess, as per The Messenger.

Shaw began her musical career in jazz clubs in the 1960s and performed live into the 2000s. She collaborated with eight different record labels to release 17 albums overall.

Shaw rose to fame after signing with Chess Records in 1966. 'California Soul' and 'Woman of the Ghetto' were two of the hit songs from her two albums, which she released with the label's subsidiary Cadet Records in 1967 and 1969, respectively.

Her other album, 'Out of Different Bags', was released in 1969.

The song 'California Soul', written by Ashford & Simpson, was featured in several TV commercials and was widely sampled by various musicians.

In 1972, Shaw switched to Blue Note Records, and her third studio album, 'Marlena', was released in the same year.

The singer's other Blue Note label releases include 'Just a Matter of Time' (1976), 'Marlena Shaw Live at Montreux' (1974), 'From the Depths of My Soul' (1973), and 'Who Is This Bitch, Anyway?' (1975), per Variety.

'Yu Ma / Go Away Little Boy' and 'Look at Me, Look at You' were two of the tunes from Shaw's 1977 Columbia Records album 'Sweet Beginnings'.

Tributes pour in after Marlena Shaw's death

Shaw's fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to the beloved jazz legend.

Blue Note Records wrote on X, "RIP vocalist Marlena Shaw who was an essential part of Blue Note thru the 1970s recording 5 albums that moved between Jazz & Soul."

Verve Records also paid tribute by writing, "We are saddened by the passing of Marlena Shaw, a wonderful singer whose “California Soul” is as popular today as it ever was and whose album “It Is Love: Recorded Live At Vine St.” helped relaunch the Verve label in 1987."

A heartbroken fan said, "RIP Marlena Shaw (September 22, 1939- January 19, 2024) and thank you for the music."

Another wrote, "Rest in sweet peace this.legendary lady. My condolences to her family friends and fans."

One fan shared a clip of Shaw performing 'On A Clear Day' and said, "Salute to Marlena Shaw! September 22, 1942 – January 19, 2024 "On A Clear Day" Count Basie & His Orchestra Ft. Marlena Shaw."

Jazz FM account paid homage to the icon and wrote, "Jazz legend Marlena Shaw has passed away aged 81. Shaw will forever be known for her hits including 'Woman of the Ghetto', Where Can I Go?' and 'California Soul'. Please join us in paying respect to a musical icon."

A fan added, "This one hurts fam I love this woman music and this was personal sent to me because I’m a big fan and I introduced her music to some other music lovers Rest In Peace Marlena Shaw my condolences and prayers to her daughter and family"

"Today, the music world lost a treasure. Ms. Marlena Shaw has passed away. We will remember the gifts you gave us & the laughs you've left in our hearts. Much Love to her children & her entire family. Marlena Shaw September 22, 1939 - January 19, 2024," wrote another.

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