Dame Cleo Laine has died at age 97. Her death was announced by The Stables, the music venue that she and her husband, Sir John Dankworth, founded. Critic Bob Mondello — a longtime fan — offers an appreciation.

A Briton with a smoky voice, she recorded albums across six decades, toured the world and acted in “Edwin Drood.”

Dame Cleo Laine, the singer and actress who has died aged 97, was not only the best jazz vocalist that Britain ever produced, but was also one of the most versatile and enduring musicians from any part of the world.