Dinah Washington, born Ruth Lee Jones on August 29, 1924, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was a towering figure in American music, known for her versatile vocal talents that encompassed blues, jazz, and traditional pop. Washington's powerful voice and emotive delivery propelled her from singing in Baptist church choirs to performing in Chicago clubs, where she adopted her stage name. She recorded her first hit, "Evil Gal Blues," with Lionel Hampton’s band in 1943, rapidly gaining fame as the "Queen of the Blues."

Throughout her career, Washington defied genre constraints, seamlessly integrating blues, jazz, R&B, and pop elements into her music. Her rich discography includes the iconic recordings like "What a Diff'rence a Day Made," which won her a Grammy posthumously, and "Unforgettable." In the 1950s, Washington became a top concert draw and prolific recording artist, releasing a continuous stream of albums and singles that are now considered classics. Her work extended into the 1960s with albums like "Dinah '62," showcasing her ability to adapt to contemporary sounds. Despite her untimely death at the age of 39 in 1963, Dinah Washington left behind an indelible legacy, one that continues to influence artists across various genres. Her indescribable voice and stylistic innovations remain celebrated through compilations like "The Fabulous Miss D! The Keynote, Decca And Mercury Singles 1943-1953" and "Dinah Washington's Finest Hour," underscoring her place as a true diva and music royalty.

Genres

Jazz Blues

Soul

Vocal Jazz

Related Artists

Etta James

Ella Fitzgerald

Billie Holiday

Nina Simone

Aretha Franklin

Sarah Vaughan

Nancy Wilson

Carmen McRae

Peggy Lee

Anita O'Day

Dakota Staton

Ruth Brown

Latest Release

Dinah 100

Dinah Washington

Album - 100 Tracks - Released August 29, 2024