Dinah Washington was born Ruth Lee Jones in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, August 29 1924, and made vocal recordings in several styles - jazz, blues, pop, R&B.

After the family moved to Chicago in 1928, Ruth and her mother sang and played piano in St. Luke's Baptist Church. In 1942, at a time when she was singing in clubs, she was invited to join Lionel Hampton's band; she then took the name of Dinah Washington.

Dinah's popularity eclipsed that of the band and she eventually went solo, becoming known as "Queen of the Blues". She married seven times, and spent much time traveling to performances.

Dinah Washington died in Detroit at the age of 39, on December 14th 1963, from an accidental overdose of diet pills combined with alcohol.

• All Music Guide
• Wikipedia: Dinah Washington
• Stamp on Black History