Marlena Shaw, the voice behind the famous song “California Soul,” passed away on Friday, January 19th at the age of 81, her family announced.
Shaw's daughter, Marla Bradshaw, confirmed Shaw's death to Fox News Digital after making a video announcement on Facebook. She wrote, “It is with a very heavy heart for myself and my family that I announce the passing of our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist, Malena Shaw.” shared.
“She was at peace. We were at peace,” Bradshaw said.
Bradshaw did not reveal the cause of her mother's death, but hinted at the hardships she had endured over the past three years. She said Ms. Shaw had just celebrated her 81st birthday in September. Bradshaw told Fox News Digital that her family is “setting a date for her celebration,” and she said details will be released once that is confirmed.
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Marlena Shaw passed away “peacefully” at the age of 81, according to her daughter Marla Bradshaw. (Michael Putland/Getty Images)
Shaw, a longtime Las Vegas resident, had five children, including a son who predeceased him.
“I would like to thank you in advance for your prayers and comfort to our family,” Bradshaw said in the video, sharing a post office box address where fans can send their condolences. “Thank you everyone for being with her. [Facebook] Thank you, Paige, for being a part of her life. Especially the last three years have made her really happy. ”
Marlena Shaw and Sammy Davis Jr. pose for a photo in 1970. (Afro American Newspaper/Gado/Getty Images)
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Shaw performed in small clubs in the '60s and made an impression on the music industry as a jazz, blues, and soul singer. In 1966, she recorded a gig at Chicago's Playboy Club, where she met and signed a contract with Chess Records. Her first two albums were produced by a subsidiary.
Her song “California Soul”, released in 1969, subsequently appeared in several commercials. Shaw then changed her path, and she signed with the jazz-focused label Blue Note Records in 1972.
Shaw would later sing the theme song for the 1977 film Looking for Mr. Goodbar.
Malena Shaw was known for her 1969 hit song “California Soul.” (Michael Putland/Getty Images)
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“She went and listened to some of her favorite songs,” Bradshaw said of her mother. “Now she is at peace. She is in heaven.”
