Why was Dinah Washington Important?

Why was Dinah Washington Important?

Dinah Washington, original name Ruth Lee Jones, (born August 29, 1924, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S.—died December 14, 1963, Detroit, Michigan), American jazz and blues singer noted for her excellent voice control and unique gospel-influenced delivery.

How old was Dinah Washington when died?

39 years (1924–1963)
Dinah Washington/Age at death
Dinah Washington: A Queen in Turmoil Before her death at 39 in 1963, singer Dinah Washington battled her seven husbands, her weight and even her fans.

Why did Dinah Washington change her name?

Following that guest performance, Hampton hired the young vocalist and may have given her the stage name Dinah Washington, although other sources claim that either Glaser or the Garrick’s owner, Joe Sherman, was responsible for her name change.

What was Dinah Washington childhood like?

Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama she moved with her family to Chicago as a young child. Music was in Washington’s family, her mother was a pianist in St. Luke’s Baptist Church, and from a young age, Washington sang gospel and played piano with her church choir.

Did Dinah Washington flip a table?

Dinah Washington didn’t actually flip a table after Franklin sang one of Washington’s signature songs at a nightclub. Mary J. Blige makes a memorable appearance in Respect as vocalist Dinah Washington, whose string of 1950s jazz hits made her one of the most popular black recording artists of the era.

Did Dinah Washington know Aretha Franklin?

Dinah Washington knew Aretha Franklin as a girl In Respect , viewers get a look at the relationship Franklin first met Washington when she was a young girl, singing for her family and friends at home and at church. Washington believed Franklin was destined for greatness.

Who is Mary J Blige in Aretha?

Dinah Washington
In the new Aretha Franklin biopic Respect, Dinah Washington is played by soul legend Mary J Blige. Dinah appears as a friend of Aretha’s family, who meets Aretha as a child singer before witnessing her grow to become a popular artist in her own right.

Where did Dinah Washington live most of her life?

Now, as fans mark what would have been Washington’s 80th birthday, music historian Nadine Cohodas fills NPR’s Liane Hansen in on some of the story. Cohodas has written Queen: The Life and Music of Dinah Washington. Born in Tuscaloosa, Ala., in 1924, the former Ruth Lee Jones moved with her family to Chicago as a young girl.

What kind of music did Dinah Washington sing?

Her gospel-trainedvoice-noted for its rhythmical precision and tonal clarity — performed blues, jazz, and ballads with equal authority. Arnold Shaw, in his book Honkers and Shouters: Golden Years of Rhythm and Blues, stated “ She had a flutelike voice, sinuous, caressing, and penetrating.

What was the cause of Dinah Washington’s death?

Married seven times, Washington battled weight problems and raced through her profits buying shoes, furs and cars in an effort to lift her spirits. Washington also tried numerous prescription medications, primarily for dieting and insomnia. A mix of the pills she was taking in 1963 caused her death, which was ruled an accident.

What are the names of Dinah Washington’s sons?

Her two sons were George and Robert (Bobby). Was godmother to singer Patti Austin. One short-lived marriage was to Walter Buchanan, a bassist for Arnett Cobb. One of her many husbands was George Jenkins, a one-time drummer in Lionel Hampton ‘s band.