Cleo Laine was a English singer and actress known for her scat singing. She was a force of vocal mastery. Known for her extraordinary vocal range and ability to blend jazz, pop, and classical music, Cleo became a household name in England and far beyond. From humble beginnings, she rose to become the only female singer to have received Grammy nominations in jazz, pop, and classical categories, making her a true icon in the global music scene.
| Full Name | Clementine Dinah Bullock |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Cleo Laine |
| Date of Birth | 28 October 1927 |
| Place of Birth | Southall, Middlesex, England |
| Profession | Jazz and Pop Singer, Actress |
| Known For | Scat singing, 3-octave vocal range, Grammy-nominated performances |
| Spouse | Johnny Dankworth (m. 1958–2010) |
| Children | Jacqui Dankworth, Alec Dankworth |
| Awards | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE), Grammy Award |
| Died | 25 July 2025 (aged 97) |
Early Life
Cleo was born on 28 October 1927, in Southall, Middlesex, England. Her father, Alexander Sylvan Campbell, was a Jamaican building labourer and her mother, Minnie Bullock, was English. Despite growing up during the hardships of post-war Britain and facing racial prejudice, young Cleo found an escape in music.
She left school at 14, worked various jobs including hairdressing and library assistant, but her heart remained with singing. Encouraged by her mother, she began to study music formally, a choice that would soon change her life.
Career
Her big break came in 1951, when she auditioned for and joined the band of saxophonist Johnny Dankworth, one of Britain’s leading jazz musicians. Not only did their musical chemistry work wonders on stage, it also sparked a lifelong personal partnership.
By the 1960s, Cleo Laine was already a major name in the UK jazz scene. But it was her ability to scat sing, extend her vocal range over three octaves, and perform Shakespearean pieces set to music that set her apart. She starred in West End and Broadway shows, most notably in Show Boat, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and A Little Night Music.
Her Grammy-winning album “Cleo at Carnegie: The 10th Anniversary Concert” (1983) cemented her place in music history. She performed with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, and James Galway. She was First British jazz singer to be nominated for a Grammy Award. Recorded over 100 albums across genres — jazz, classical, and musical theatre.
Made history as the only singer to be nominated for Grammys in three different genres.
She sang many popular songs like “He Was Beautiful,” “You’ll Answer to Me,” “Let There Be Love,” and “Send in the Clowns.” She also acted in musicals on stage, such as “Show Boat” and “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” where she was praised for her performances. Cleo appeared in a few movies like “The Cool Mikado” (1963) and performed in big concerts, including one at Carnegie Hall. She was also seen on TV shows like “The Muppet Show” and “Parkinson.” Her talent in both singing and acting made her loved by people around the world.
Personal life
In 1946, she married George Langridge who was a roof tiler. She has a son named Stuart. The couple divorced in 1957. Her husband passed on 2019, aged 72.
Later, she married with John Dankworth in 1958 who was English jazz composer and writer. They had two children. Her husband passed away on 6 February 2010 (aged 82) in Marylebone, London, England.
Death
Cleo Laine passed away at her home in Wavendon, on 24 July 2025, at the age of 97.
Her children, Jacqui and Alec Dankworth, announced:
“It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved mother, Cleo, who died peacefully yesterday afternoon. We will all miss her terribly. The family wish to be given space to grieve and ask for privacy at this very difficult time.”
Monica Ferguson, CEO & Artistic Director of The Stables, added:
“Dame Cleo was admired greatly by fans, other musicians and by The Stables staff and volunteers. She will be greatly missed but her unique talent will always be remembered.”
