Marlena Shaw, an esteemed figure in the jazz and R&B music scene, famous for her enduring hit “California Soul,” has passed away at the age of 81.
Marla Bradshaw, Shaw’s daughter, delivered the news of her mother’s passing on Facebook on Friday, January 19, 2024. She mentioned that Shaw died peacefully while listening to some of her favorite songs. Bradshaw did not provide details about the cause of death.
Originally named Marlina Burgess, Marlena Shaw was born on September 22, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York. She began her musical journey in jazz clubs during the mid-1960s.
Shaw’s rise to prominence started with Chess Records, where she released her first two albums on Chess’ Cadet label. A significant turning point in her career was her shift to Blue Note Records in 1972.
“California Soul,” a song that continues to resonate with audiences, is one of Shaw’s most notable contributions to music. The song was penned by the celebrated Motown songwriting pair Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson and first launched by Ashford in 1968. Shaw’s version, featured in her 1969 album “The Spice of Life,” became the definitive version, surpassing other renditions by The 5th Dimension and Marvin Gaye.
The influence of “California Soul” has been far-reaching, with the song gaining immense popularity. It has been frequently sampled by artists such as Gang Starr, Stereo MC, and Diplo.
Another remarkable track from “The Spice of Life” was “Woman of the Ghetto,” which Shaw co-wrote. This song has also been widely sampled, further solidifying Shaw’s lasting influence on the music industry.
Shaw’s career, which spanned over five decades, was characterized by extensive touring and the release of 17 albums across various labels.
Verve Records expressed grief over Shaw’s death in their statement. They praised her as a “wonderful singer” and noted her album “It Is Love: Recorded Live At Vine St.,” which played a crucial role in the revival of Verve in 1987.
Marlena Shaw, with her distinctive blend of jazz, blues, and soul music, left an indelible mark as a standout artist of her era.
