Marlena Shaw, the prolific R&B and jazz singer behind the chart-topping hit song “California Soul,” has died at 81.
Shaw’s daughter shared a post on Facebook announcing the singer had passed away on Friday.
Shaw, who was born Marlina Burgess, had five children and toured for more than 50 years during her illustrious career, and released at least 17 albums.
Verve records released a statement in response to Shaw’s passing.
“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.”
More on the life and career of Marlena Shaw.
