Dame Cleo Laine, the renowned singer celebrated for her extraordinary four-octave vocal range, has passed away at the age of 97. The announcement of her death came from The Stables, the music venue she co-founded with her husband, Sir John Dankworth. Laine was widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of her time, blending genres from jazz to pop to classical.
Bob Mondello, a longstanding admirer, recalls his first exposure to Laine’s talent during a concert at Carnegie Hall in the mid-1970s. He was struck by her stunning presence, adorned in a flowing gown and sporting a magnificent afro, but it was her voice that truly captivated him. Her rendition of “I Know Where I’m Going” showcased her smoky and expressive vocal style, which only hinted at the impressive range she would later demonstrate.
As Laine progressed through her performance, she astounded the audience with her rendition of Carole King’s “Music.” Accompanied by her husband’s band, she effortlessly transitioned between deep, gravelly lows and ethereal highs, pulling off the remarkable feat of moving through her full range in less than a minute. This performance and others like it, captured on her album Live at Carnegie Hall, solidified her reputation among both American and British audiences alike.
Throughout her illustrious career, Laine proved her versatility and skill across multiple genres, earning Grammy nominations in pop, jazz, and classical categories. She was not only a vocalist but initially an actress who graced stages in London’s West End, starring in musicals such as “Showboat” and “A Little Night Music.”
Laine’s performance capabilities extended beyond just vocal prowess; she had a remarkable comedic timing that brought humor to her act, delighting audiences with her comic numbers. Her heartfelt delivery was best encapsulated in her performance of “Send in the Clowns,” where the audience was so entranced that silence followed her final note, leading to an overwhelming applause that lasted long after.
Tragically, Laine lost her husband in 2010 just hours ahead of a concert, yet she went on to perform, demonstrating her profound commitment to her art and honoring his memory. In her later years, while her voice may have dimmed, her legacy and the impact she had on the music world will forever remain resonant. Critics have long hailed her as “quite simply the best singer in the world,” a testament to a remarkable career that spanned over six decades.
Cleo Laine leaves behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire both aspiring vocalists and music enthusiasts alike, celebrating the beauty of a life dedicated to musical artistry.