Dinah Washington

USA

Born: 29 August 1924

Died: 14 December 1963

Years Active: 40, 50, 60

Genres: Vocal, Blues, Jazz, R&B

Styles: Standards, Hard Bop, Traditional Pop, Vocal/Standards, Vocal Jazz, Jump Blues, East Coast Blues, Urban Blues, Early R&B, R&B/Soul

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Dinah Washington was at once one of the most beloved and controversial singers of the mid-20th century -- beloved to her fans, devotees, and fellow singers; controversial to critics who still accuse her of selling out her art to commerce and bad taste. Her principal sin, apparently, was to cultivate a distinctive vocal style that was at home in all kinds of music, be it R&B, blues, jazz, middle of the road pop -- and she probably would have made a fine gospel or country singer had she the time. Hers was a gritty, salty, high-pitched voice, mark...

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