THE JAZZ cORNER

Nancy Wilson, who bridged Jazz and Pop, Is Dead at 81. Ms. Wilson released more than 70 albums in a five-decade recording career. She won three Grammy Awards, one for best rhythm and blues recording for the 1964 album "HOW GLAD I AM" and two for best jazz vocal album, in 2005 and 2007 Dec. 14, 2018.

Wilson was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, the first of six children. She became aware of her talent while singing in church choirs, imitating singers as a young child. At the age of 15, while attending Columbus, Ohio's West High School, Wilson won a talent contest sponsored by the local ABC television station. She spent one year at Ohio's Central State College (now Central State University) before dropping out to start her career as a singer.