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…
The fourth annual Panama Jazz Festival will be held in Panama City, Jan. 18–20, 2007. Along with festival organizer Danilo Perez, other featured acts include Nneena Feelon, Edmar Castaneda and Billy Cobham. Victor Paz will lead the Panamerican Big Band, which will bring together students from the New England Conservatory, Berklee College of Music and the University of Panama.
Next year’s festival honoree will be Panamanian vocalist Barbara Wilson, who died in June 2005. Perez called her, “the Billie Holiday of Panama.”
“Barbara’s life is the perfect example of the struggle that many great musicians live in Latin America,” Perez said. “She was able to bridge styles and genres with tremendous ease without losing her jazz sensibility. We hope that her tribute will serve as an inspiration for future generations.”
For more information go to: panamajazzfestival.com
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…
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