JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT/Gray News) – The mayor of Mississippi’s state capital released a statement Wednesday after the death of Cassandra Wilson, a 70-year-old Jackson native and Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist.
“Jackson has lost an extraordinary native daughter, and the world has lost a singular musical voice,” Mayor John Horhn said. “Cassandra Wilson carried the sound, spirit and history of Mississippi with her wherever her music reached.”
Hinds County Coroner Jeramiah Howard confirmed that Wilson died in Jackson Tuesday morning.
Wilson, known for her deeply rooted performances in jazz, blues, gospel and folk, was celebrated globally for her distinctive vocal styling and emotional depth.
FILE – US jazz musician Cassandra Wilson poses during an interview in Cologne, Germany on Sept. 25, 2003.(AP Photo/Hermann J. Knippertz, File)
Wilson attended Jackson State University and Millsaps College.
In his statement, Horhn pointed to Wilson’s legacy of connecting generations and carrying forward traditional Mississippi music.
“Her work had rare depth of character and a profound understanding of how music moves people, tells stories and connects generations,” Horhn said.
Horhn also recalled when Time magazine once recognized Wilson as “America’s best singer,” calling it a fitting tribute to an artist whose voice and imagination were unmistakable.
“Cassandra Wilson showed the world the richness of Jackson and Mississippi music,” Horhn said. “Her legacy will continue to be heard in the artists she inspired and the pride she brought to her hometown.”
Over her decadeslong career, Wilson earned multiple Grammy Awards and wide critical acclaim.
“Her Grammy Award wins reflected the respect she earned across the music world, while her artistry made an impression on audiences far beyond the jazz community,” Horhn said.
As Jackson mourns her death, Horhn expressed how much pride the artist brought to her home state.
“On behalf of the City of Jackson, I extend my condolences to her family, friends, fellow musicians and all who loved her music,” Horhn added.
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