Jazz singer Nancy Wilson was a classy, multi-talented entertainer who left her mark on the music industry and beyond during her 81 years of life.
In addition to being a revered vocalist, the Grammy Award-winning beauty was also a mother, an HBCU alum, a philanthropist and an actress. She touched millions around the world with her voice and her radiant spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
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As we continue to celebrate the life of Nancy Wilson in light of her passing, scroll through for a look back at her life in photos, along with a few facts about her journey.
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She was born in 1937 in Chillicothe, Ohio.
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She attended Central State University, an HBCU, in 1955.
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She signed to Capitol Records in 1960.
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Her first single,"Guess Who I Saw Today?", debuted in 1960 and was most recently covered by Chante Moore in 2008.
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She participated in the historic civil rights march in Selma, AL in 1965.
6 of 11 Photo by: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank
She won an Emmy Award for her 1974-1975 television program, The Nancy Wilson Show, and also landed roles as an actress on the big and small screens.
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She won a total of three Grammy Awards.
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She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990.
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In January 2007, Nancy Wilson was featured on the cover of ESSENCE alongside Wendy Racquel Robinson, Kelly Rowland, Patti LaBelle and Vanessa Wiliams.
10 of 11 Photo by Maury Phillips/WireImage
She retired from performing in 2011, following a final performance at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
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She was stunning, multi-talented and well-respect by fellow musicians, fans, family and friends around the world.
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