Dinah Washington

Dinah Washington called herself "The Queen Of The Blues", and she was that, and then some, a larger than life character and a dynamic singer of great jazz, pop, rhythm and blues, and the American Popular Songbook.

Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and reared in Chicago (as Ruth Jones), influenced by gospel music she began singing professionally as a youth.  Lionel Hampton "discovered" her, and she featured in his band for a number of years under the stage name Dinah Washington, before striking out on her own.  Dinah brought forth popular "crossover" hit records for Mercury, jazz classics with all the greats, and best selling numbers like "What A Difference A Day Made", whether with jazz combos, big bands, R&B groups, or string orchestras.

Married seven times, to among others saxophonist Eddie Chamblee and gridiron great Night Train Lane, she lived a nervy, extravagant life style.   On the one hand always informed by her gospel roots, Dinah was transcendent, and she translated her varied popular repertoire into the secular and sexual passion of the blues. Her delivery combined intense feeling with crystal-clear diction so that, as the music poured out, she still seemed in total control, one of the all time best at conveying the heartfelt meaning of song lyrics.

A heavy drinker, and overusing prescription diet pills, Dinah died from an accidental overdose on December 14, 1963 at the age of 39.  Leaving us even at that young age, she left behind a prolific legacy.  We’ll present a representative retrospective look at her career on our program, timed to coincide with celebration of her centennial, as she was born August 29, 1924.

 

originally broadcast September 1, 2024