Singer Marlena Shaw, an icon of American Jazz and Soul music, passed away at the age of 81 according to a statement from her family.
Shaw's daughter, Marla Bradshaw, confirmed her mother's passing in a video posted to Facebook where she said, "Hello everyone, it is with a very heavy heart that for myself and my family, I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist, Marlena Shaw, has passed away today at 12:03."
Bradshaw further stated that, "She was peaceful. We were at peace. Our family again is at peace. She went very peacefully."
Marlena Shaw's passing wasn't unexpected and her peaceful death surrounded by her family is the most anyone can ask for.
Fans will be happy to know that not only was she with her family when she died, she also was listening to her favorite songs.
Marlena Shaw got her start in jazz clubs in the 1960s where she would sing in her time off.
Then in 1966, Shaw was performing in the Playboy Club in Chicago where she was seen by representatives for Chess Records music label who would send up signing her to the label launching her decades long career.
In the next three years, Shaw would create two albums and in 1969 wrote the song California Soul which was arguably her biggest hit that made her a fixture in the industry.
California Soul was an instant classic beloved by millions as the song has over 100 million streams on Spotify.
Shaw would write music for the next four decades with her last album, Lookin' for Love, released in 2004.
News of Shaw's passing spread quickly and it wasn't long before tributes from fans came pouring in.
Bradshaw finished off her announcement saying, "We just want to say thank you in advance for your prayers and comfort for our family. Thank you all for being on her [Facebook] page, thank you for being a part of her life. Especially these last three years, which made her really happy."
She also left a P.O. Box address where fans would be able to leave their condolences.
Bradshaw encouraged fans not to mourn and instead to celebrate her mother's legacy saying, "Right now she's at peace. She's in heaven."
