October 28, 1927 – July 24, 2025

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Cleo Laine passed away on July 24, 2025 at the age of 97.

She was born as Clementine Dinah Hitching on Oct. 28, 1927 in Southall, Middlesex, England.

She had singing and dancing lessons from a young age and worked at a variety of jobs including as an apprentice hairdresser, a hat-trimmer, and a librarian.

Blessed with a beautiful voice and a four-octave wide range, Cleo Laine began singing with the Johnny Dankworth Seven in 1951, making her recording debut with the group later that year.

She recorded her first album as a leader in 1955, three years before marrying Dankworth who was a leading modern jazz altoist in England; their marriage lasted until his death in 2010.

In addition to her singing, Laine worked as a stage actress.

She had a busy career filled with performances and recordings, usually with Dankworth leading the supporting band.

Laine was particularly popular in Australia and, starting in 1972, she performed regularly in the United States.

Cleo Laine and John Dankworth had two children: bassist Alec Dankworth and singer Jacqui Dankworth.

While not a major improviser, Cleo Laine recorded dozens of rewarding albums and was one of England’s best known singers, making her final recordings in 2007 when she was 79.

Cleo Laine is featured here singing “Crazy Rhythm” which finds her trading off with John Dankworth.

-Scott Yanow

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