Grammy-winning jazz singer Cassandra Wilson dies at 70 in Jackson

Renowned jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson, a two-time Grammy winner, has died at age 70 in her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi, with the cause of death not disclosed. Her longtime manager Robert Torre confirmed the death in a statement to WBGO, asking for privacy as the family grieves. Wilson rose from New Orleans’ scene to lead vocalist for Steve Coleman's M-Base and later achieved widespread acclaim with Blue Note recordings, earning Grammys for New Moon Daughter (1995) and Loverly (2009). Time magazine crowned her “America’s Best Singer” in 2001, reflecting a career that fused blues-inflected jazz with folk, pop, R&B, and country influences. Peers, including Jon Batiste, offered tributes highlighting her distinctive voice and influence on a new generation of musicians. In 2015 she performed a Billie Holiday centennial concert at the Apollo and released Coming Forth by Day; she was also recognized as an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.