Cassandra Wilson, Two-Time Grammy-Winning Jazz Singer, Dies at 70

Exam-focused facts from the 5 September 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

Cassandra Wilson, a two-time Grammy-winning jazz singer, died at the age of 70 on September 2, 2026, at her home in Mississippi.
She died of natural causes, as confirmed by the Hinds County Coroner's Office.
Wilson was born on December 4, 1955, in Jackson, Mississippi, and began playing piano at age six.
She was a founding member of the M-Base Collective and signed with Blue Note Records in 1992.
She won Grammy Awards for her albums 'New Moon Daughter' (1995) and 'Loverly' (2008).
Her latest album, 'Coming Forth by Day' (2015), was a tribute to Billie Holiday.
She collaborated with artists including The Roots, Wynton Marsalis, and Elvis Costello.