The Stables in Milton Keynes has paid tribute to Dame Cleo Laine after the jazz singer and venue co-founder’s passing.

Laine passed away yesterday (24/07) at the age of 97.

A statement from her children Jacqui and Alec paid tribute to their late mother and confirmed the news.

The statement said, “It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved mother, Cleo, who died peacefully yesterday afternoon. We will all miss her terribly. The family wish to be given space to grieve and ask for privacy at this very difficult time.”

Laine was a highly regarded jazz singer whose career saw her win a Grammy Award in 1986, perform in venues all over the world, sing with stars such as Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles, and record numerous albums in a six-decade long career. She was also a frequent collaborator with her composer husband John Dankworth, who she married in 1958.

In 1969. Laine and Dankworth founded the charity Wavendon Allmusic Plan, converting an old stable block in the grounds of their home in Wavendon into a centre for music and music education.

The Stables is now a major arts venue in Milton Keynes, presenting around 400 music, comedy and spoken word gigs a year, along with hosting around 200 education events per year.

Laine and Dankworth continued to work together until Dankworth’s death in 2010. Laine would later perform in a show at the Stables on the day of his death, informing the crowd just before the final song of the news.

David Meadowcroft, Chairman of the Stables’ Charity, said, “Dame Cleo was a remarkable performer who was loved by audiences around the world and her commitment to ensuring young people had access to great music and music education will continue through the work of The Stables.”

Monica Ferguson, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of The Stables, added, “Dame Cleo was admired greatly by fans, other musicians and by The Stables staff and volunteers. She will be greatly missed but her unique talent will always be remembered.”