Marlena Shaw, a renowned artist in jazz and R&B known for her timeless hit “California Soul,” has passed away at 81.
Marla Bradshaw, Shaw’s daughter, announced her mother’s passing in a Facebook video on Friday, January 19, 2024, stating that Shaw died peacefully while listening to some of her favorite songs. The cause of death was not specified.
Marlena Shaw, born Marlina Burgess on September 22, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York, embarked on her musical career in jazz clubs during the mid-1960s.
Her ascent to fame began with Chess Records, where she launched her first two albums on the Cadet label. A pivotal moment in her career occurred when she transitioned to Blue Note Records in 1972.
Shaw’s indelible mark in music is associated with “California Soul,” a song that deeply resonated with audiences and remains a classic. Written by the acclaimed Motown songwriting duo Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, the song was first released by Ashford in 1968. Shaw’s rendition, featured in her 1969 album “The Spice of Life,” became the definitive version, surpassing other recordings by The 5th Dimension and Marvin Gaye.
The legacy of “California Soul” extended beyond its initial release, garnering wide popularity and being frequently sampled by artists such as Gang Starr, Stereo MC, and Diplo.
Another notable track from “The Spice of Life” was “Woman of the Ghetto,” co-authored by Shaw, which has also been extensively sampled, further testament to Shaw’s enduring impact on the music industry.
Shaw’s career, spanning over five decades, was marked by extensive touring and the release of 17 albums across various labels.
Verve Records, in their statement, expressed sadness over Shaw’s passing. They lauded her as a “wonderful singer” whose work, especially “California Soul,” remains popular. They noted her album “It Is Love: Recorded Live At Vine St.,” which played a pivotal role in relaunching Verve in 1987.
Marlena Shaw’s unique blend of jazz, blues, and soul music positioned her as a standout artist of her time.