Marlena Shaw, the legendary jazz and R&B singer best known for her song “California Soul,” has passed away at the age of 81. The news was confirmed by her daughter, Marla, in a video posted on Facebook. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
“California Soul” is Marlena Shaw’s most famous track. Originally performed by The Messengers, Marlena Shaw’s cover of the song became a hit and had a lasting impact on hip hop and popular culture. The song has been sampled by numerous artists, including Gang Starr, The Game, Jay Rock, Elzhi, Quasimoto, Jay Electronica, Laika, and Xzhibit.
In addition to “California Soul,” Marlena Shaw had several other hits throughout her career. Some of her notable songs include “Feel Like Making Love,” “Loving You Was Like A Party,” “Go Away Little Boy,” and “Is You or Is You Ain’t My Baby.” Her cover of “Is You or Is You Ain’t My Baby” even earned her a Grammy nomination in 1990.
Marlena Shaw’s music has been featured in various films, TV series, and video games. Some of the notable properties that have included her songs are “The Italian Job,” “The Lincoln Lawyer,” “All Things Must Pass,” “Pixie,” the TV series “Bad Sisters,” and the video game “Grand Theft Auto V.”
Marlena Shaw’s legacy will continue to live on through her music. Her unique style and powerful voice have made a lasting impact on the jazz and R&B genres. She will be remembered as a talented artist who brought soul and emotion to her performances.
Rest in peace, Marlena Shaw. Your contributions to the music industry will never be forgotten.
