Jazz legend Cleo Laine dies at 97

THE jazz world was in mourning last night for singer and actress Dame Cleo Laine, who has died aged 97. The London-born star, who counted royalty among her A-list fans, performed in the West End and on Broadway and alongside greats like Frank Sinatra.

- By Stephen Beech

Her two surviving children, Jacqui and Alec, said: "We will all miss her terribly.

Dame Cleo was called "a true jazz great" by the BBC's Big Band, which played alongside her. Singer Midge Ure also hailed her talent.