Dinah Washington (August 29, 1924 - December 14, 1963) was a legendary American blues, jazz, and gospel singer. Born Ruth Jones in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Washington moved to Chicago, Illinois before starting school. She began performing in 1942 (see 1942 in music) and soon joined Lionel Hampton's band. In 1943, she began recording for Keynote Records and releasedEvil Gal Blues her first hit. By 1955, she had released numerous hit songs on the R&B charts, including Baby, Get Lost,Trouble in Mind, You Don't Know What Love Is (arranged by Quincy Jones), and a cover of Cold, Cold Heart by Hank Williams.
1959's What a Diff'rence a Day Makes sent Washington into the mainstream market, where she stayed for many years with a string of hits. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance. Washington died of an overdose of diet pills and alcohol in 1963 and was eventually inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
