About Cleo Laine, John Dankworth and Friends *

Legendary singer-actress Cleo Laine is well known in England, together with husband, composer-clarinetist-saxophonist John Dankworth. Laine, who is 80 years old now, can boast a long and multifaceted career. She isn't just a celebrated jazz singer, who is known for her unparalleled scat technique, but she was also successful as a musical star in the West End, reached the top of the British hit parade in the seventies, played great character roles in Shakespeare's plays and sang in Kurt Weill's operas. Cleo Laine (1927) is a singer with a very versatile voice, who can cover several octaves. She has control over many techniques, from singing trills to throaty whispers. She recorded albums with Ray Charles (Porgy and Bess) and Mel Tormé (Nothing Without You) and won various prizes. She is the daughter of a Jamaican father and an English mother, and she met Dankworth when she auditioned for his band. During his equally long musical career, Dankworth has conducted a number of orchestras. He has also written soundtracks and was the musical director for artists like Nat ´King´ Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson and Sophie Tucker. The couple lives in Wavendon, (Buckinghamshire) England. Cleo Laine was appointed Dame Cleo Laine DBE in 1997 and John Dankworth was awarded a knighthood for his services to music in 2006. Last year, Laine celebrated her 80th birthday in grand style with a special tour.

• Cleo Laine, John Dankworth and Friends Website | Check music