JAZZ and R&B legend Marlena Shaw has died at the age of 81, her family has said.
The star, best known for her rendition of the track California Soul, died peacefully.
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Shaw’s death was announced by her daughter Marla in a Facebook video, shared on January 19.
She said: “Hello everyone, it is with a very heavy heart that for myself and my family, I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist, Marlena Shaw, has passed away today at 12:03.
“She was peaceful. We were at peace.”
Marla said that her mother is at peace and is in heaven.
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“Our family again is at peace. She went very peacefully,” she added.
Marla said her mom, who was born in New Rochelle, New York, died while listening to some of her favorite tracks.
She revealed that Shaw went through many things during the last three years.
A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Fans have paid tribute to the singer following her death.
She has been described as a legend by mourners who rushed to comment on social media.
“Her music lives forever and we will never forget her. She was a most spectacular lady and artist,” one fan said.
Another said: “Her [Shaw’s] vocal power and intelligence allowed her to transcend genre.”
Her edition of the Ashford & Simpson track California Soul featured in her 1969 album The Spice of Life.
The Spice of Life was Shaw’s final album under the Cadet Records label.
One fan described the LP as one of the greatest ever made, per a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Shaw said she was first introduced to music by her uncle Jimmy Burgess.
She performed at the Apollo Theater in Harlem at the age of 10.
But, her mom banned her from touring with her uncle during her childhood, per BlueNote.
During the 1960s, Shaw performed in clubs and venues across New York state.
Throughout her career, she has toured with iconic names such as Sammy Davis Jr.