Cleo Laine, whose husky contralto was one of the most distinctive voices in jazz and who was regarded by many as Britain’s greatest contribution to the quintessentially American

Jazz singer Dame Cleo Laine, famous for her huge vocal range and wide musical repertoire, has died at the age of 97. In a long career, Dame Cleo was the first British singer to win a Grammy Award in a jazz category and performed with all the greats - including Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.

Cleo Laine, who was married to and performed with fellow jazz musician John Dankworth, has died, according to the U.K. music venue they'd founded.