East St. Louis’ own Miles Davis was the north star for singer, songwriter and composer Cassandra Wilson. He was a musical compass that offered a blueprint and a connection that tied her to the St. Louis region. Wilson — the genre‑defying vocalist, songwriter and composer whose voice moved like butter wrapped in velvet — has died. She was 70.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Cassandra Wilson, the Grammy Award-winning and legendary jazz artist,” said a statement from her manager to jazz station WBGO, according to The Associated Press. “Cassandra Wilson transitioned peacefully at home, surrounded by family, close friends, and her manager.”
A cause of death has not yet been revealed…