Marlena Shaw is an American singer renowned for her rich, resonant voice and versatility in her music, which spans across jazz, blues, soul, and R&B. Born on September 22, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York, Shaw began her professional singing career in the 1960s after her talent caught the attention of jazz trumpeter Howard McGhee. She was later signed to the iconic Blue Note Records, becoming one of the first female vocalists to join the label. Her tenure at Blue Note culminated in a series of remarkable albums that secured her a place in the pantheon of great jazz vocalists. Shaw's work, characterized by a blend of soulful expression and jazz-based improvisations, distinguishes her in the jazz world.

Marlena Shaw's flair for connecting with diverse audiences can be heard in her classic recordings, such as the politically-charged "Woman of the Ghetto," which has been widely sampled and remixed, evidencing her enduring influence on contemporary music. The reimagining of this track and its remixes decades after its original release reflects Shaw's timeless appeal and the sociocultural relevance of her music. Her body of work includes a rich discography with standout albums such as "The Blue Note Years," displaying her mastery in interpreting jazz standards, as well as "Take A Bite," where she showcased her ability to integrate pop and disco elements, demonstrating her constant evolution as an artist. Marlena Shaw continues to captivate audiences with her musical ingenuity, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of American music.

Genres

Classic Soul

Related Artists

Gladys Knight

Aretha Franklin

Etta James

Chaka Khan

Nancy Wilson

Patti LaBelle

Nina Simone

Phyllis Hyman

Anita Baker

Randy Crawford

Lalah Hathaway

Dianne Reeves

Latest Release

Lonely

Marlena Shaw

Single - Released February 8, 2024