by Marlon West (FB: marlon.west1 Threads: @stlmarlonwest IG: stlmarlonwest Bluesky: @marlonweststl.bsky.social Spotify: marlonwest)
Another Music Monday is upon us, and I hope this missive finds you all smiling and well. Many of us were saddened by the news of Cassandra Wilson’s passing on September 1.
With her low, smoky, and intimate vocal style rooted in her Mississippi heritage, Wilson was a transformative figure in jazz who broke traditional genre boundaries by fusing jazz with blues, folk, and country music—though, like many artists, she rejected strict labels.
She reinterpreted songs by rock, folk, and pop artists such as The Monkees, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and Cyndi Lauper through her own soulful lens. Her relaxed yet thoughtful delivery made both familiar standards and modern covers sound freshly discovered.
I have gathered a playlist of her music to honor her legacy and to enjoy whenever you want moving, soulful vocals. It features over five hours of music by the artist Time magazine named “America’s Best Singer” in 2001 for her broad appeal and individual artistry.
Please enjoy this essential collection of music by the immortal Cassandra Wilson.
As always, until next time: stay sane, safe, and kind.
