GRAMMY award-winning vocalist Ledisi announces the release of her upcoming album, For Dinah, paying tribute to her lifelong hero, legendary vocalist Dinah Washington.
Produced by acclaimed bassist and composer Christian McBride alongside Ledisi’s longtime producer Rex Rideout, For Dinah is a blend of Ledisi’s soulful vocals with Washington’s everlasting spirit, bringing a contemporary jazz, neo-soul flair to timeless music.
Born in Alabama in 1924 and raised in Chicago, Dinah Washington is considered one of the influential vocalists of the 20th century and was often referred to as the “Queen of the Blues” or “Queen of the Jukeboxes.” A contemporary of Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, Washington was based known for songs such as “Baby, You’ve Got What It Takes,” “Unforgettable” and the classic “What A Difference A Day Makes.” Washington is cited as a major influence for several musicians and vocalists, including Quincy Jones and the great Aretha Franklin.
Washington became a huge inspiration to New Orleans-born Ledisi, who encountered her work while studying jazz at UC Berkley. “I felt her pain, her rejection,” Ledisi reflects, “This is where I come from — and this is my way of saying her name out loud. She deserves to be recognized in today’s music as well. So instead of asking me ‘Why Dinah?,’ you should be asking “Why not Dinah?'”
The project is preceded by the lead single, a soul-rendering rendition of “This Bitter Earth,” produced and arranged by McBride. “This song is so reflective of any era,” says Ledisi. “Especially in such a chaotic time as this. People need music right now and this song is a beautiful sentiment depicting a longing for life being filled with love. When I hear Dinah I hear that longing. It’s a perfect way to announce my tribute to The Queen of The Blues.”
For Dinah comes out on October 3 via CANDID Records and features guest appearances form Gregory Porter, Paul Jackson Jr. and Michael King. Ledisi is set to tour across the US and Europe this fall, including an album release celebration at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on October 3. For CD and Vinyl pre-orders, visit candidrecords.com.
