Dinah Washington was the most popular black female recording artist of the 1950’s. She started out as a church gospel singer later branched out into blues, jazz and popular music. She managed to get a gig with a theatre house band where she was spotted by Lionel Hampton. He invited her to tour with him which she did for a number of years before leaving to pursue a solo recording career.

Between 1944 and 1962 Dinah Washington had major success with a number of songs in the US R & B charts as a solo artist, with her male backing trio and duets. Since her untimely and sudden death in 1963 (she was only 39 years old), her talent has been recognised in a number of ways including

  • In 1993, the U.S. Post Office issued  29 cent commemorative postage stamp.
  • In 2005, the Board of Commissioners renamed a Chicago park, Dinah Washington Park.
  • In 2008, the city of Tuscaloosa, renamed the section of 30th Avenue between 15th Street and Kaulton Park “Dinah Washington Avenue.”
  • On August 29, 2013, the same city renovated an old building, and named it the Dinah Washington’s Cultural Arts Centre.
  • In December,  2014, a version of the WordPress management system was named after her.

Backing Tracks – Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Ain’t Misbehaving)   …   Brokenhearted Melody … Call Me Irresponsible … Everybody Loves Somebody … I’m Through With Love … Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby …  It Could Happen To You … Mad About The Boy … This Bitter Earth … Trust In Me … Unforgettable … What A Difference A Day Makes … You Let My Love Grow Cold …

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