empty cell Cleo Laine
Cleo Laine was an English singer and actress renowned for her four-octave vocal range and ability to interpret various musical styles, particularly jazz and pop. Born on October 28, 1927, in Southall, Middlesex, she began her career in the 1950s as a vocalist for the Johnny Dankworth Seven. In 1958, she married John Dankworth, with whom she frequently collaborated. Notable albums include "Cleo Laine Live!!! at Carnegie Hall" (1974) and "Cleo at Carnegie: The 10th Anniversary Concert" (1983), the latter earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Jazz Vocal Performance. Laine is the only singer to have received Grammy nominations in the jazz, popular, and classical categories. She passed away on July 24, 2025, in Wavendon, Buckinghamshire.