Cassandra Wilson: Voice of Mississippi | Columbia News

Jazz lost a true legend: Cassandra Wilson, Grammy-winning vocalist and Mississippi-born icon, passed away at 70. Known for her soulful contralto voice that wove blues, jazz, folk, and R&B into a uniquely Southern sound, she carved a decades-long career from humble beginnings to global acclaim. A pivotal figure in the M-Base Collective, she earned two Grammys and the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master award. Musicians like Jon Batiste praised her unmistakable tone and cultural fusion. Her final tribute? An album honoring Billie Holiday. Jackson mourns its extraordinary daughter — a voice that carried the spirit of the South and connected generations through music. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e6b24c919a3d1a7f