Post Description

Jacqui Dankworth (1963) is a British jazz singer. She is the daughter of the jazz musician, arranger and composer Sir John Dankworth and the singer Dame Cleo Laine.

Dankworth was born in Northampton, Northamptonshire, England. Before taking to the stage as a singer Jacqui Dankworth worked as an actress with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal National Theatre and John Dexter's Company playing a multitude of critically acclaimed roles. The plays soon turned into musicals and before long Dankworth was playing in the West End, even originating the role of Cinderella in the London premiere of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods. This in turn led her to her own recording career.

In 2003, Dankworth released her first album, As The Sun Shines Down On Me on Candid Records. This album brought her to the attention of Michael Parkinson and BBC Radio 2, and she appeared regularly on air throughout that year. More guest appearances followed, Dankworth featured on Courtney Pine’s album Devotion, which was released on 6 October 2003. Tied in with the release, Dankworth performed alongside Pine at the Royal Festival Hall, as part of the London Jazz Festival.

Jacqui Dankworth is one of the most highly regarded vocalists in the UK. Her concert appearances and her stylistically diverse recordings showcase her virtuosic, seemingly effortless mastery of a wide spectrum of genres.  Known primarily as a jazz singer, Jacqui’s unique musical palette also draws on folk, soul, classical, blues, and numerous other influences. Reviewers have described her as “incomparable”, “multi-faceted” and “…one of our finest singers, regardless of category.” (Sunday Times)


Jacqui Dankworth - As The Sun Shines Down On Me - 2002
Jacqui Dankworth - It Happens Quietly - 2011
Jacqui Dankworth - Live to Love - 2013