STATEMENT FROM MAYOR JOHN HORHN ON THE PASSING OF GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST CASSANDRA WILSON

Jackson, MS — Mayor John Horhn issued the following statement on the passing of Cassandra Wilson:

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

She built a remarkable career rooted in jazz, blues, gospel, folk and the many traditions that shape our state’s musical identity. Her work had rare depth of character and a profound understanding of how music moves people, tells stories and connects generations. Through every performance and recording, she carried forward the legacy of jazz, blues and gospel.

TIME magazine once recognized Cassandra Wilson as ‘America’s best singer,’ a fitting tribute to an artist whose voice and imagination were unmistakable. 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.

Cassandra Wilson showed the world the richness of Jackson and Mississippi music. 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.”