Marlena Shaw, the jazz and R&B singer renowned for her definitive recording of 'California Soul,' has died at age 81 on January 19. Her daughter Marla announced the news via Facebook, confirming that Shaw passed away peacefully.

Born on September 22, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York, Shaw began her career singing in jazz clubs during the 1960s. Her distinctive style was characterized by raw honesty and an aggressive approach that the New York Times noted was meant to "swipe away pretense and artifice."

Though "California Soul" was originally written by Ashford and Simpson and recorded by The Messengers in 1967, Shaw's 1969 version from "The Spice of Life" album became the most celebrated rendition. Her interpretation has significantly influenced hip-hop, being sampled in over 30 songs, including works by Gang Starr, Nightmares on Wax, and Jay Electronica.

Shaw's "California Soul" has also featured prominently in popular media, appearing in the 2003 film "The Italian Job," Netflix's "The Lincoln Lawyer" (2022), and the video game Grand Theft Auto V.

The legacy of Shaw's "California Soul" extends beyond its original release, having surpassed other notable versions, including the 1970 duet by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, to become the definitive recording of the song.

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