Cassandra Wilson | Artist

Cassandra Wilson is an American jazz musician, vocalist, songwriter, and producer born 1955 in Jackson, Mississippi. Wilson has been described as "a singer blessed with an unmistakable timbre and attack who has expanded the playing field by incorporating blues, country, and folk music into her work". She has also won two Grammy Awards. With her father being a guitarist, bassist and music teacher, Wilson was immersed in music early and had a formal education in classical piano and clarinet from the age of six. After graduating from university she worked in a TV station, but soon moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. There in NYC she become the vocalist and one of the founding members of the M-Base Collective which also featured Ravi Coltrane, Branford Marsalis, Dave Holland and Meshell N'degeocello. Between 1986-92 Wilson released seven vocal soul-jazz albums which, while being perfectly fine, didn't set the world on fire. Then came her signing with esteemed label Blue Note records, and her eighth album Blue Light 'til Dawn in '93, which was a cross-over success with jazz and pop audiences alike. Her next album New Moon Daughter was also a smash hit and earned her a Grammy Award for best Jazz Vocal performance in 1997. At this point Wilson's recognition worldwide, was established. Outstanding albums include Blue Light 'til Dawn, New Moon Daughter, Traveling Miles and Belly of the Sun.

Artist Website: cassandrawilson.com

Featured Albums: Cassandra Wilson

related Artists: M-Bass Collective