Cleo Laine, Britain's most successful jazz singer, dies aged 97

Versatile vocalist straddled jazz, classical, pop and musical theatre with four-octave range, and collaborated for decades with husband, John Dankworth

Cleo Laine performing with her husband John Dankworth at the Jazz Festival in Cork in October 1981. File picture.

Cleo Laine, the UK’s most successful and celebrated jazz singer, has died aged 97.

A statement from her children Jacqui and Alec reads: “It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved mother, Cleo, who died peacefully yesterday afternoon. We will all miss her terribly. The family wish to be given space to grieve and ask for privacy at this very difficult time.”