Maki Asakawa (Japanese: 浅川マキ, Asakawa Maki; January 27, 1942 – January 17, 2010) was a Japanese jazz and blues singer, lyricist, and occasional actress. Born in Mikawa, Ishikawa Prefecture (now Hakusan), after graduating high school she worked as a civil servant for a short time before moving to Tokyo. Particularly influenced by the styles of Mahalia Jackson and Billie Holiday, Asakawa began her career singing at US Army bases and at various cabarets. Read more on Last.fm