Singer Nancy Wilson dies at 81: Quincy Jones, Viola Davis, RuPaul and more pay tribute

Raechal Shewfelt
·Editor, Yahoo Entertainment
Nancy Wilson performing at the Thelonious Monk Jazz Tribute Concert for Herbie Hancock on Oct. 28, 2007, in Los Angeles. (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Nancy Wilson performing at the Thelonious Monk Jazz Tribute Concert for Herbie Hancock on Oct. 28, 2007, in Los Angeles. (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Hearts are breaking in the music industry and beyond following the news that singer Nancy Wilson has died at 81 following a lengthy illness.

Wilson was known for her jazz sound, but she resisted the idea of calling herself a jazz singer, according to a 2010 interview with the San Francisco Chronicle. “I just never considered myself a jazz singer,” Wilson said. “I do not do runs and — you know, I take a lyric and make it mine. I consider myself an interpreter of the lyric.”

Wilson recorded dozens of albums, won scores of awards and appeared on shows such as Hawaii Five-O and The Cosby Show over the course of her more than five decades in show business. She made a lot of celebrity friends and fans along the way, many of whom paid tribute to her Friday.

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There are no words to describe how my heart aches at this news that my baby sister, my Piscean sister, Nancy has passed away. You were the light of every room you walked in. God bless you Nancy. I will miss you every day, but I will always cherish our times together.

A post shared by Quincy Jones (@quincydjones) on Dec 14, 2018 at 9:19am PST

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We’ve lost another legend and a shining example of beauty, class, grace and talent in the passing of #NancyWilson! She made an indelible mark on me as she did with so many others! My heart goes out to her family, friends and fans all around the world! ❤

A post shared by Patti LaBelle (@mspattilabelle) on Dec 14, 2018 at 10:21am PST

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When i was a little girl, i would sing a song and act it out by The awesome , Classy ,Nancy Wilson. It was called “Guess Who I Saw Today “ It was so dramatic and extra ! 😂 I loved her voice and snuck and played my older sister Flo’s LPs of her and Dione Warwick all the time . Quite a sophisticated palate for a kid. Later in life i got to meet her on the Oprah show with Destiny’s child. She was just as gracious and beautiful as i thought! She will be sadly missed Sing in Heaven Nancy❤️

A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinalawson) on Dec 14, 2018 at 8:18am PST

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My soul mourns the loss of my dear friend #NancyWilson. She was such a beautiful person & songstress that the world of jazz will forever miss. Her polished vocals & style was unmatched as the #SongStylist. I will miss her dearly as a friend & mentor. RIP Nancy 💜

A post shared by Chaka Khan (@chakaikhan) on Dec 13, 2018 at 10:11pm PST

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Rest in rhythm…Nancy Wilson, we have lost one of the truly rare artists,her voice was so unique and special. I loved her so much I casted her and my film METEOR MAN. She was a joy to work with and I loved watching her perform. She will be missed but not gone I am going to play her music all day… And celebrate her genius #NancyWilson #MusicLegend #Icon #Jazz #GoddessOfSoul #MeteorMan #Legend #JazzArtists #guesswhoisawtoday

A post shared by Robert Townsend (@iamroberttownsend) on Dec 14, 2018 at 6:35am PST

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😔 rest Beauty… love u and your gift forever. #NancyWilson

A post shared by Kim Fields (@kimfieldsofficial) on Dec 14, 2018 at 9:31am PST

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Rest In Peace #NancyWilson. She was absolutely singular. My mother loved her for her music, her elegance and class and raised her high as someone to admire, an air of grace and quiet confidence to aspire to. I’ll be playing her music all day today.

A post shared by Tatyana Ali (@tatyanaali) on Dec 14, 2018 at 8:15am PST

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