Marlena Shaw Has Died

A true great passes...
Robin Murray
20 · 01 · 2024

Soul queen Marlena Shaw has died, it has been confirmed.

The American singer’s family posted a statement overnight on social media confirming the sad news, sharing a tribute video. The clip is labelled simply “Rest In Heaven” –

Marlena Shaw was 81 years old; no cause of death was given.

The New York native came of age in the city’s jazz clubs of the 60s, lending an improvisatory air to her take on the R&B and soul songbook. Open to emerging sounds, she recorded to some of the finest labels of her era – notably Cadet, and her lasting relationship with Blue Note.

Although not a huge commercial success, Marlena Shaw’s work would prove to have an incredible sense of endurance. Her version of ‘Wade In The Water’ is a Northern soul and Mod club staple, for instance, while the much-sampled ‘California Soul’ became a key touchstone for the rare groove movement.

Her sensational performance of ‘Woman of The Ghetto’ – from ‘The Spice Of Life’ album – would be re-tooled as ‘Remember Me’ by Blue Boy (British DJ Alexis ‘Lex’ Blackmore) became an international hit, providing a point of access to her work for a new generation.

Writing, recording, and performing to the end, Marlena Shaw’s most recent studio album ‘Lookin’ For Love’ landed in 2004.

Find a selection of tributes below.

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