Local Jazz, Soul Vocalist Cynthia Layne Dies

Cynthia Layne, performed during the 2014 Meet the Artist event at Central Library. Doug Jaggers

Respected local jazz and neo-soul vocalist Cynthia Layne died Sunday at the age of 51.

The Dayton, Ohio native won the female vocalist category of Indiana Black Expo's StarQuest competition in 1987, and was a regular at Indy Jazz Fest from the beginning. She also contributed to projects at WFYI, including hosting an episode of the television series "The Art of the Matter" in 2013.

Her music drew comparisons Jill Scott, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Sade, and she was considered among the most in-demand performers in the area.  

Layne released two albums, "Reality" and "Beautiful Soul" with Indy-based Owl Music Group. In her bio on the goup's website, she said her interest in music began when she attended her first live concert at at the age of 7.

"I’ve always loved music, especially live music," Layne said. "My younger sister always encouraged me to sing. As a girl, I listened to Natalie Cole and Diana Ross and emulate them all the time."
 

Layne was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and treatment was initially succesful. But, she was diagnosed with cancer again last year. Her sister, Denise Bailey, was also a breast cancer patient who died in 2007.

Layne is survived by a daughter, 17-year-old Nina, as well as her parents and a brother.

There will be a live jazz tribute to Layne on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Crown Hill Cemetery and Funeral Home.

Photo Gallery: Cynthia Layne performed at the 2014 Meet the Artist event at Central Library.