Marlena Shaw, a prominent figure in the realms of jazz and R&B, known for her enduring classic “California Soul,” has died at the age of 81.
On Friday, January 19, 2024, Shaw’s daughter, Marla Bradshaw, revealed in a Facebook video that her mother had died peacefully listening to some of her most loved songs. The cause of her death was not disclosed.
Born Marlina Burgess on September 22, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York, Marlena Shaw started her musical journey in jazz clubs during the mid-1960s.
Her rise to fame began with Chess Records when she released her first two albums under the Cadet label. A significant turning point in her career was her move to Blue Note Records in 1972.
Shaw’s lasting contribution to music is most evident in “California Soul,” a song that deeply connected with listeners and has since become a classic. The song, penned by the renowned Motown songwriting team of Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, was first launched by Ashford in 1968. Shaw’s interpretation of the song, included in her 1969 album “The Spice of Life,” became the definitive version, even outdoing recordings by The 5th Dimension and Marvin Gaye.
The influence of “California Soul” transcended its initial release, gaining widespread recognition and frequently being sampled by artists such as Gang Starr, Stereo MC, and Diplo.
“Woman of the Ghetto,” another significant track from “The Spice of Life,” which Shaw co-authored, has also been widely sampled, demonstrating her lasting influence on the music industry.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Shaw released 17 albums across various labels and extensively toured.
In a statement, Verve Records expressed their sorrow over Shaw’s passing and praised her as a “wonderful singer” whose work, particularly “California Soul,” continues to be loved by audiences. They highlighted her album “It Is Love: Recorded Live At Vine St.,” which played a crucial role in Verve’s relaunch in 1987.
Marlena Shaw’s unique fusion of jazz, blues, and soul music distinguished her as a remarkable artist of her era.
