Dinah Washington Sings Bessie Smith

Dinah Washington Sings Bessie Smith is a captivating album that showcases the incredible vocal talents of Dinah Washington, as she pays tribute to the legendary Bessie Smith. Released on 1 January 1999 by Verve, this 55-minute masterpiece delves into the realms of vocal jazz, jazz, and jazz blues, creating a unique sound that is both nostalgic and timeless.

The tracklist features an array of classic songs, including 'After You've Gone', 'Send Me To The 'Lectric Chair', and 'Careless Love', which demonstrate Washington's remarkable ability to interpret and reimagine the works of Bessie Smith. The album also includes live recordings from the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival, where Washington's powerful performances of 'Send Me To The 'Lectric Chair', 'Me And My Gin', and 'Back Water Blues' left a lasting impression on the audience.

With Dinah Washington Sings Bessie Smith, Washington proves herself to be a worthy successor to Smith's legacy, bringing a new level of sophistication and elegance to these jazz and blues classics. This album is a must-listen for fans of Dinah Washington and Bessie Smith, as well as anyone who appreciates the art of vocal jazz and the rich history of American music.

Dinah Washington, born Ruth Lee Jones, was a powerhouse vocalist and pianist who left an indelible mark on American music. Known as the "Queen of the Blues," she was one of the most popular black female recording artists of the 1950s, with a career that spanned jazz, blues, R&B, and traditional pop. Washington's exceptional voice control and unique gospel-inflected delivery made her a standout performer, and her recordings consistently topped the charts. She collaborated with legendary musicians like Quincy Jones and Brook Benton, and her interpretations of songs like "What a Difference a Day Makes" and "Mad About the Boy" are timeless classics. Despite her tragic death at the age of 39, Dinah Washington's influence on female rock and roll artists and her legacy as a versatile and influential vocalist continue to inspire new generations of musicians.