Talk with Dinah Washington

Dinah Washington, born Ruth Lee Jones on August 29, 1924, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was an American singer and pianist who has been cited as "the most popular black female recording artist of the '50s." Primarily a jazz vocalist, she performed and recorded in a wide variety of styles including blues, R&B, and traditional pop music, and gave herself the title of "Queen of the Blues."

Washington moved to Chicago as a child and showed an early talent in gospel music. She later transitioned to secular music and began performing in clubs. By 1943, she was already performing with the Lionel Hampton Band. Her career took off in the mid-1940s when she began recording solo, leading to numerous hits including "What a Diff'rence a Day Made" and "Mad About the Boy."

Her voice was noted for its powerful emotional depth and her ability to cross musical genres effortlessly. Washington's influence is considerable, and she paved the way for many African American female artists who followed her in the music industry.

Tragically, Washington's life and career were cut short when she died from an accidental overdose of diet pills and alcohol in December 1963, at the age of 39. Despite her early death, Dinah Washington left a lasting legacy in the world of music, particularly jazz and blues.

Dinah Washington was born on August 29, 1924, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.

Dinah Washington was a versatile vocalist whose repertoire extended beyond the blues to include jazz, R&B, gospel, and pop music. She had a unique ability to blend these genres, bringing a jazzy sophistication to R&B and interpreting pop songs with a deep emotional intensity. This versatility helped her to appeal to a wide audience and to become one of the most respected singers of her time. Washington’s exploration of different musical styles contributed significantly to her success and enduring legacy in the music industry.

Dinah Washington's upbringing played a significant role in shaping her music style. She was born as Ruth Lee Jones in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but her family moved to Chicago when she was a young child. Her mother was deeply religious and involved in the church, which profoundly impacted Washington. She grew up singing gospel music in the church choir, which was her initial exposure to music and performance.

This early gospel influence is evident in the emotive power and passion of her delivery, which became a signature element of her style in both her blues and jazz performances. The blend of sacred musical roots with the secular styles of blues and jazz that she later embraced helped create her unique sound, which resonated with a wide array of audiences.

Furthermore, living in Chicago, a hub for jazz and blues during her formative years, exposed her to the vibrant musical culture of the city. This environment allowed her to absorb and integrate various musical influences, which she later fused in her own music, contributing to her versatility and ability to cross musical boundaries.

Dinah Washington collaborated with many prominent musicians throughout her career, contributing significantly to her success and versatility as an artist. A few key collaborations include:

1. Lionel Hampton - Washington's career took off in 1943 when she joined Lionel Hampton's band. Her time with Hampton was crucial in shaping her early musical style and exposure.

2. Brook Benton - One of her most commercially successful collaborations was with Brook Benton, particularly their hit duet "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" in 1960 and "A Rockin' Good Way (To Mess Around and Fall in Love)" which also became very popular.

3. Quincy Jones - Washington worked with Quincy Jones on several projects. Jones arranged some of her music, and their collaboration is evident in albums like "The Swingin' Miss D" which showcases a vibrant orchestral arrangement that complemented Washington's vocal style.

4. Clark Terry - As a fellow jazz artist, Clark Terry collaborated with Washington during her time with Mercury Records, contributing his trumpet playing to some of her recordings.

5. Eddie Chamblee - Her husband at one point, Chamblee was also a tenor saxophonist who played in her band and contributed to her recordings.

These collaborations helped Washington explore and blend various musical styles, from jazz and blues to R&B and pop, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and influential artist.

Dinah Washington had several songs that reached high positions on various charts. Some of her most successful tracks include:

1. "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes" - This song is one of her most famous recordings. It reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1959 and won a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance.

2. "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" - A duet with Brook Benton, this song reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960.

3. "This Bitter Earth" - This track reached number 1 on the R&B chart and number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960.

4. "September in the Rain" - This song also became quite popular, though it did not achieve as high chart positions as some of her others, it's still recognized as one of her significant recordings.

These songs are examples of her versatility and ability to cross musical genres, contributing to her lasting legacy in the music industry.

Dinah Washington was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but she moved to Chicago, Illinois, during her childhood, where she spent much of her early life and career. Chicago was a significant place for her musical development and success.

The 1960 album by Dinah Washington is "I Concentrate on You." This album features a collection of standards interpreted by Washington, showcasing her distinctive vocal style.

Dinah Washington was 39 years old when she died on December 14, 1963.

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