GRAMMY-WINNING 90s singer Cassandra Wilson has died aged 70.
The jazz singer died surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday.
Jazz singer Cassandra Wilson has died aged 70Credit: APThe two-time Grammy-winning jazz vocalist worked with the RootsCredit: AP
The award-winning jazz vocalist from Jackson, Mississippi, worked with the Roots and co-founded the M-Base Collective.
Her manager of 20 years Robert Torre told WBGO: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Cassandra Wilson, the Grammy Award-winning and legendary jazz artist.
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“Cassandra Wilson transitioned peacefully at home, surrounded by family, close friends, and her manager.”
Cassandra blended blues, country and folk music into her work.
The singer was nominated for four Grammys, and won two in the Best Jazz Vocal Album.
Cassandra won for her 1997 album New Moon Daughter and for her 2007 album Loverly.
She was described by critic Gary Giddins as “a singer blessed with an unmistakable timbre and attack who has expanded the playing field”.
Cassandra was named as a Jazz Master in 2022 by the National Endowment of the Arts.
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Cassandra blended blues, country and folk music into her workCredit: APShe worked with Elvis Costello, John Legend, Jon Batiste and Ravi ColtraneCredit: AP
Tributes flooded in for the star, with fellow NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk saying she is “devastated” by the loss.
She said they were like family and Cassandra called her “Mother Kirk”.
Dorthaan said: “I’m just devastated. Cassandra completely related to me because she looked up to me as an elder and somebody that was in the business.”
Cassandra took up piano at six, guitar at 12 and launched her career as a vocalist in the 70s, moving to the Big Apple the next decade where she became one of the founding members of the M-Base Collective.
She later signed with Blue Note Records in 1992 and released her seminal album titled Blue Light ‘Till Dawn.
The singer collaborated on albums with Coleman, Greg Osby, and Wynton Marsalis.
Cassandra sang as the character Leona in Marsalis’ recording of his Blood on the Fields oratorio, which became the first jazz composition to win a Pulitzer Prize.
She was a guest vocalist on the Roots’ Silent Treatment and One Shine.
And star collaborators on her own work included Elvis Costello, John Legend, Jon Batiste and Ravi Coltrane.
She told The New York Times in 1994: “I continue to choose the path I take musically,
“And it’s not motivated by becoming famous or having a lot money, or any other pop motivation.”
BRITISH filmmaker Justin Hardy, who directed the sequel to his dad’s horror classic The Wicker Man, has died aged 61.
The director’s family said Hardy died on Friday – just weeks before his latest film premiered – after suffering a heart attack.
The filmmaker sadly passed away after suffering a heart attackCredit: PAFilming of The Wicker Man saw dad Robin sacrifice his family life for a film that performed poorly initiallyCredit: PA
In a statement the grieving family said: “Our family is devastated to share that Justin Hardy passed away last night.
“He was so full of life right to the end, and incredibly energised to be working towards premiering his latest film this month.
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“We are all so proud of him and heartbroken he won’t be with us at his premiere.
“He was a man of family, of boundless creativity, and of devotion for everyone he held dear.”
Hardy studied history at Oxford University before going on to study film in Bournemouth and scriptwriting in California.
During his career Hardy directed series and films including The Bill, Princes In The Tower, Trafalgar Battle Surgeon, The Relief Of Belsen, Spanish Flu: The Forgotten Fallen and London’s Burning.
He was also nominated for an Emmy and a Bafta, and in recent years had been teaching screenwriting at University College London.
His brother, Dominic Hardy, said Justin would be remembered as someone “with an incredible appetite for life.”
In 2024 the brothers released the documentary Children Of The Wicker Man.
It covered their complicated relationship with their dad’s hit film, which initially bombed at the box office before becoming a cult classic.
Filming of The Wicker Man saw dad Robin sacrifice his family life for a film that performed poorly initially.
Before his death aged 86 in 2016 the legendary director of The Wicker Man – Robin Hardy – spoke publicly about his desire to complete trilogy after he released The Wicker Tree in 2011.
After he died, the brothers were contacted and asked about plans for the third film, which Dominic said they then saw as the “impetus to close the chapter on the films.”
The brothers then decided to wrap up their father’s film trilogy.
Released this month, Wrath Of The Gods was inspired by a concept discovered in a recently unearthed script written by Robin and stars Game of Thrones’ Francis Magee and Norwegian actress Christiane Schaldemose.
Dominic: “I really love writing projects like this and if I could write things like this for the rest of my career, that would be great.’”
Justin Hardy is survived by his wife Larissa, and children Sam, Ludo, Nico and Summer.
Wrath Of The Gods will premiere at FrightFest in Leicester Square on August 28.
YOU don’t need to spend a small fortune to treat the family to a stay at a top holiday park.
These award-winning parks are packed with indoor waterparks, loads of kids activities, coastal views and top quality entertainment.
Thornwick Bay holiday park in East Yorkshire has top quality family entertainmentCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Plus we found deals for families of up to six for as little as £2.88pp per night.
So whether you’re looking for a staycation in Scotland, an escape to Essex, or a beach break in North Wales, these top-rated resorts deliver non-stop family fun.
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Orchards Holiday Village, Clacton-on-Sea
This AA four-star rated Clacton-on-Sea park has an indoor and outdoor pool, mini Segways, a nine-hole golf course, and a summer Football Fun Factory – and that’s just the start.
Put your spare 2p coins to good use in the arcade, or head off on a bike trail for quiet afternoon cycling along the fishing lake.
Then settle down by grabbing some familiar eats from Papa Johns, Burger King, or the park’s own pub, The Mash and Barrel.
Just 17 minutes away, Clacton Pavilion adds extra thrills with exciting live shows and more than 20 rides. You can grab an unlimited ride wristband for £12.99.
The cheapest deal we found was for a four-night break for four people in November for £49 total, working out to just £3.06pp per night.
Click the button below to browse last-minute summer breaks or to book ahead for quieter seasons.
Book a stay at Orchards Holiday Village from £49
Thornwick Bay, Yorkshire
Splash about in the huge indoor waterpark at Thornwick BayCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
East Yorkshire’s Thornwick Bay holiday park is ideal for outdoors-y families, with its very own private lake where you can hire pedalos, go kayaking, or try stand-up paddleboarding.
Indoors you’ll find a spacious swimming pool with a multi-lane waterslide, plus an action-packed Activity Barn with climbing walls, archery coaching, and slime workshops.
On sunny mornings, little explorers can hunt for fossils and explore the sea caves down at the bay.
When it’s time to refuel, there’s takeaway favourites like Chopstix noodles, plus sit-down dining options like the Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant. Just make sure to save room for dessert from Bertie’s Ice Cream.
With the dramatic Flamborough Headland’s moss-topped cliffs and breathtaking beaches on your doorstep, there’s endless options for things to do at this coastal holiday park.
It even won the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice award last summer, and is rated a five-star holiday park by AA.
Check holiday dates and caravan options by clicking the button below.
Book a stay at Thornwick Bay from £49
Craig Tara, Ayrshire, Scotland
Splashaway Bay at Craig Tara is one of the largest holiday parks in ScotlandCredit: Haven
Race down neon-lit slides and flumes at Splashaway Bay – one of Scotland’s largest indoor waterparks – which sits inside Craig Tara holiday park.
Outside of the amazing waterpark, kids can burn off energy at the Adventure Village, where there are aerial ropes courses and a giant six-metre high platform called ‘The Jump’.
Plus with dedicated sensory rooms for toddlers and a huge soft play hall, every single age group is catered to.
With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, Craig Tara delivers the ultimate weather-proof staycation where a bout of rain could never dampen your holiday.
The cheapest deal we found was for a four-night stay for six people in September for £69 total, which is just £2.88pp per night.
Click below to browse holiday dates and caravan options.
Book a stay at Craig Tara holiday park from £69
Golden Sands, Rhyl
Golden Sands in Rhyl has caravans and chalets overlooking the sea shoreCredit: Away Resorts
Set right in the pretty seaside town of Rhyl, Golden Sands Holiday Park makes a brilliant base for exploring North Wales, and has collected awards from sites such as Hoseasons.
You can easily reach spots like Dyserth Waterfall and historic Gwrych Castle in just a short drive, plus Rhyl itself has its own miniature railway and golden beach.
Back on site, kids can burn off energy with NERF gun battles, an outdoor adventure playground and soft play, or splash around in the indoor pool.
This park also has fantastic evening entertainment, with family-friendly live shows, glow parties, bingo nights and mini discos.
Click below to browse dates and book yourself in for a staycation.
Book a stay at Golden Sands from £157
Combe Haven, Sussex
Take a spin in the massive Space Bowl flume at Combe Haven holiday parkCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
In sunny St Leonards-on-Sea in Sussex, this lively resort is perfect for making a splash, with a huge water complex including a lazy river and a giant Space Bowl flume.
On-site activities range from archery coaching and footgolf to a giant climbing wall.
Head to Cook’s Fish and Chips for a chippy tea, and sea view drinks at The Saxon Bar to unwind in the evenings.
You’re also just 15 minutes from historic Hastings, where you can explore historic Hastings Castle and the underground caves of the Smuggler’s Adventure.
