Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

October 28, 1927 in Southall, Middlesex, England

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Cleo Laine is a British jazz and classical music artist who has been active in the music industry for over six decades. She was born on October 28, 1927, in Southall, Middlesex, England, as Clementine Dinah Bullock. Her father was a Jamaican-born plumber, and her mother was English. Laine grew up in a musical family, and her parents encouraged her to pursue her passion for music. Laine started singing at a young age and joined a local choir when she was just 12 years old. She attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she studied singing, piano, and clarinet. After completing her studies, Laine started performing in various clubs and pubs in London. She soon gained a reputation as a talented jazz singer and was invited to perform at the famous Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club. In 1951, Laine married saxophonist John Dankworth, who would become her musical partner for the next six decades. The couple formed the Dankworth Seven, a jazz ensemble that became popular in the UK. Laine's unique voice and Dankworth's innovative arrangements helped the group stand out in the crowded jazz scene. In the 1960s, Laine started to explore other genres of music, including classical and pop. She recorded several albums of classical music, including "Cleo Laine Sings Mozart" and "Cleo Laine Sings Sondheim." She also recorded pop songs, such as "You'll Answer to Me" and "If We Lived on Top of a Mountain." Laine's versatility as a singer and her ability to perform in different genres made her a popular artist in the UK and around the world. She performed at several major music festivals, including the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival. She also appeared on several TV shows, including "The Muppet Show" and "The Morecambe and Wise Show." Laine's talent and hard work were recognized with several awards and honors throughout her career. In 1979, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to music. In 1997, she was awarded the DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for her contributions to music and charity. She has also received several honorary degrees from universities in the UK and the US. Laine's most famous performance was probably her rendition of "Send in the Clowns" from the musical "A Little Night Music." Her version of the song became a hit in the UK and the US and helped her gain international recognition. She also performed the song at the Royal Variety Performance in front of Queen Elizabeth II. Laine continued to perform and record music well into her 80s. She released her last album, "I Hear Music," in 2014, which featured her interpretations of classic jazz standards. She also continued to support various charities, including the NSPCC and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. In conclusion, Cleo Laine is a legendary jazz and classical music artist who has had a long and successful career in the music industry. Her unique voice, versatility, and hard work have made her a beloved artist in the UK and around the world. Her contributions to music and charity have been recognized with several awards and honors, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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