Dinah Washington
On this date, in 1924, Dinah Washington was born. She was a Black blues singer.
Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as Ruth Lee Jones, she was a child when her family moved to Chicago. She sang and played the piano for her church choir. In 1939, she began singing and playing piano in various Chicago nightclubs and toured with Sallie Martin's gospel group. In about 1942-43, she adopted the stage name Dinah Washington. From 1943 to 1946, she sang with the Lionel Hampton band, and in 1946, she began a successful solo career. From 1949 to 1955, her recordings consistently ranked among the top ten hits on the rhythm-and-blues charts.
Even after she transitioned to the popular (pop) music market, where she achieved her most tremendous commercial success, Washington retained many of her earlier fans due to her passionate, supple style. Often referred to as the Queen of the Blues, she was noted for her excellent voice control and unique gospel-influenced delivery. Dinah Washington died on Dec. 14, 1963, in Detroit, Michigan.
Black Women in America An Historical Encyclopedia
Volumes 1 and 2, edited by Darlene Clark Hine
Copyright 1993, Carlson Publishing Inc., Brooklyn, New York
ISBN 0-926019-61-9
