Marlena Shaw

Biography

Marlena Shaw (born Marlina Burgess on September 22, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York; died January 19, 2024) was an American jazz, blues, and soul singer celebrated for her versatility and charismatic stage presence[1][2][4]. Raised in a musical family, Shaw’s earliest influences were her uncle Jimmy Burgess, a jazz trumpet player, and her grandmother, both of whom introduced her to gospel and jazz music. At age ten, she performed at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, a formative experience that set her on the path to a lifelong career in music[1][2][3][4]. Although she briefly attended the State Teachers’ College in Potsdam, New York, she left to pursue singing, performing in New England clubs and with jazz trumpeter Howard McGhee’s trio in the early 1960s[2][3][4].

Shaw’s professional breakthrough came in the mid-1960s when she was discovered by Chess Records while singing at Playboy Clubs. Under the Cadet subsidiary, she recorded vocal versions of jazz hits such as "Mercy Mercy Mercy" and "Wade In The Water," and released two albums before moving on in 1968[2][3][4]. Her 1969 recording of "California Soul," written by Ashford & Simpson, became a staple of the UK rare groove scene and was widely sampled in hip hop and used in commercials[4]. She joined the Count Basie Orchestra as a vocalist for four years, further honing her jazz credentials[3][5]. Shaw’s career spanned several decades and labels, including Blue Note, Columbia, Verve, and Concord Jazz, with notable albums such as "Out of Different Bags," "Spice of Life," and "Who Is This Bitch, Anyway?"[5].

Marlena Shaw’s musical style blended jazz, soul, blues, pop, R&B, and disco, marked by her expressive phrasing, improvisational skill, and dynamic live performances[2][3][5]. Her legacy endures through her influence on generations of vocalists, her enduring recordings, and the continued sampling of her work in contemporary music. Shaw remained a fixture on the international jazz scene, performing for audiences worldwide and inspiring new listeners through compilations and reissues[5].

Fun Facts

• At age ten, Marlena Shaw performed solo at the Apollo Theater after her uncle was double-booked, impressing one of the toughest audiences in music[1][2][3].
• Her song "California Soul" has been featured in commercials for Dockers, KFC, and Dodge Ram trucks, and is a favorite for sampling in hip hop[4].
• Shaw was known for her comedic improvisation during live performances, often blending humor with her music[5].
• She was discovered by Chess Records while singing at Playboy Clubs, leading to her first recording contract[2][4].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jimmy Burgess - Her uncle, a jazz trumpet player, introduced her to jazz and gospel music, and brought her on stage at the Apollo Theater. (Early performances, including Apollo Theater debut) [1940s-1950s]
• Al Hibbler - Influenced her vocal phrasing and style through his recordings. (Influence evident in Shaw's jazz vocal technique) [1950s-1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Howard McGhee - Jazz trumpeter; Shaw worked with his trio in New England clubs. (Live performances in early 1960s) [1963]
• Count Basie Orchestra - Served as vocalist for four years, touring and recording. (Live performances and tours) [Late 1960s-early 1970s]
• Richard Evans - Producer at Cadet Records; oversaw her early recordings. ("Out of Different Bags" album, singles) [1966-1968]

Artists Influenced

• Hip hop artists (various) - Her recordings, especially "California Soul," have been widely sampled in hip hop music. ("California Soul" samples in numerous tracks) [1990s-present]
• UK rare groove scene - Her music, particularly "California Soul," became a staple and inspired DJs and musicians. ("California Soul") [1980s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. California Soul (The Spice Of Life)
2. Woman of the Ghetto - Akshin Alizadeh Remix (Gecko Beach Club Formentera, Vol. 4)
3. Woman Of The Ghetto (The Spice Of Life)
4. Let's Wade In The Water
5. California Soul - Diplo Remix
6. Liberation Conversation (The Spice Of Life)
7. Woman Of The Ghetto - Akshin Alizadeh Remix
8. Touch Me In The Morning (Take A Bite)
9. Where Can I Go? (The Spice Of Life)
10. Feel Like Making Love (Who Is This Bitch, Anyway?)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #classic-pop-and-rock, #soul