Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Lou Rawls, who possessed an unmistakable baritone voice, died Jan. 6 after battling lung cancer. He was 72.
While Rawls’ is best known for his array of pop hits (“Love Is A Hurting Thing” and “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine”), the Chicago-born singer also frequently delved into jazz and drew on the music’s improvisational spirit for his lengthy, and influential, spoken-word monologues.
The gospel-trained Rawls recorded his first solo album, Stormy Monday, with the Les McCann Trio in 1962. A few years later, the singer was the voice on many of producer David Axelrod’s early innovations in fusion. Two of those tracks were recently compiled on David Axelrod – The Edge: David Axelrod At Capitol Records 1966-1970 (Blue Note). In 2003, he paid tribute to a notable jazz singer on his disc Rawls Sings Sinatra (Savoy Jazz).
“I don’t put myself in any particular category,” Rawls once said. “Whatever the occasion calls for, I rise to the occasion. There are no limits to music, so why should I limit myself?”
Aaron Cohen
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli with Tony Bennett at their wedding reception in 1998.
Aug 4, 2026 12:32 PM
Well, what can be said about Tony Bennett that you don’t already know? As I type this, I’m listening to Tony…
