JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Jackson Mayor John Horhn released a statement Wednesday after the passing of Cassandra Wilson, a 70-year-old Jackson native and Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist.

Hinds County Coroner Jeramiah Howard confirmed that Wilson died in Jackson Tuesday morning.

“Jackson has lost an extraordinary native daughter, and the world has lost a singular musical voice,” Horhn said. “Cassandra Wilson carried the sound, spirit and history of Mississippi with her wherever her music reached.”

Wilson, known for her deeply rooted performances in jazz, blues, gospel, and folk, was celebrated globally for her distinctive vocal styling and emotional depth.

She attended Jackson State University and Millsaps College.

In his statement, Horhn pointed to Wilson’s legacy of connecting generations and carrying forward traditional Mississippi music.

“She built a remarkable career rooted in jazz, blues, gospel, folk and the many traditions that shape our state’s musical identity,” Horhn said. “Her work had rare depth of character and a profound understanding of how music moves people, tells stories and connects generations.”

Horhn also recalled when TIME magazine once recognized Wilson as “America’s best singer,” calling it a fitting tribute to an artist whose voice and imagination were unmistakable. Over her decades-long career, Wilson earned multiple Grammy Awards and wide critical acclaim.

“Her Grammy Award wins reflected the respect she earned across the music world, while her artistry made an impression on audiences far beyond the jazz community,” Horhn said.

As Jackson mourns her passing, Horhn expressed how much pride the artist brought to her home state.

“Cassandra Wilson showed the world the richness of Jackson and Mississippi music,” Horhn said. “Her legacy will continue to be heard in the artists she inspired and the pride she brought to her hometown.”

“On behalf of the City of Jackson, I extend my condolences to her family, friends, fellow musicians and all who loved her music,” Horhn added.

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