Jazz breaking news: Barbara Morrison forced to cancel Edinburgh Festival Fringe run

A singer with a huge personality and mischievous sense of humour, Michigan-born, California-based Miss Morrison became one of the leading performers in jazz after working as a backing singer with jazz and rhythm 'n' blues legend Ray Charles and went on to appear with a who's who from the jazz and blues worlds, including Dizzy Gillespie, Etta James, Jimmy Smith, Tony Bennett and Mel Torme. She also starred regularly as vocalist with the Count Basie Orchestra and Doc Severinsen's Big Band.

After making her Scottish debut at Henry's Jazz Cellar in Edinburgh in 2000, she became a favourite with Scottish audiences, appearing at Edinburgh and Islay jazz festivals and in concert across Scotland. She was subsequently awarded a much-coveted Herald Angel from The Herald newspaper for her outstanding performances at the Fringe in 2009.

She was due to appear at The Outhouse in Broughton Street Lane, a venue she particularly enjoyed appearing in due to its intimate atmosphere, from August 5 to 21. The venue will now host a series of fund-raising concerts from August 5 to 14 which will feature local jazz musicians and Barbara Morrison admirers including singers Todd Gordon, Edith Budge, Hamish McGregor of Fat Sam's Band and Chris Clark. All proceeds including the £10 entry fee and the bar takings will be forwarded to Miss Morrison.

Miss Morrison's long-time friend, fellow singer and official New Orleans Musical Ambassador Lillian Boutte, who was due to follow Miss Morrison into The Outhouse later in the Fringe, has agreed to extend her visit and will now appear from August 15 to 28.

Miss Morrison is being fitted with a prosthetic limb and is in good spirits, promising to be back in action as soon as possible.

For more info www.barbaramorrison.com