Cassandra Wilson: key obituary facts
Is Cassandra Wilson dead? Yes. Cassandra Wilson died on September 2, 2026, at age 70.
Cause of death: Cassandra Wilson's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Cassandra Wilson known for?
She was an American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi (born 1955).
More about Cassandra Wilson
Born: 4 December 1955.
Place of birth: Jackson.
Gender: female.
Occupation: jazz singer, songwriter, jazz musician, recording artist, singer, composer.
Nationality: United States.
Education: Jackson State University, Millsaps College, Murrah High School.
Awards: honorary doctor of the Berklee College of Music, NEA Jazz Masters.
Spouse: Isaach de Bankolé.
Also known as: Death Letter.
Genres: Jazz.
Years active: 1985–2026.
Cassandra Wilson, the American jazz singer and two-time Grammy winner, died on September 2, 2026, aged 70.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, she built a long career as a singer, songwriter and producer, and became one of the most successful female jazz vocalists of her generation. Wilson was known for a sound that drew on blues, country and folk as well as jazz, a range that helped distinguish her work.
She also received major recognition beyond her Grammys, including being named an NEA Jazz Master and receiving an honorary doctor of music degree from the Berklee College of Music.