Dinah Washington

Dinah Washington earned the nickname Queen of the Blues because she could sing blues, jazz, R&B, and pop with a sharp, direct emotional style. She recorded for labels including Mercury Records and became one of the dominant vocalists of the 1950s.

What a Diff'rence a Day Makes became a major 1959 hit and won Washington a Grammy. It also pushed her further into the pop market while keeping her phrasing rooted in jazz and blues.

She crossed both worlds. Washington sang with jazz musicians, recorded blues material, and also made pop-chart records, which is why one label never fully captures her career.

What a Diff'rence a Day Makes shows her pop crossover sound, while recordings such as Evil Gal Blues show her earlier blues identity. She also recorded memorable duets with Brook Benton, including Baby, You've Got What It Takes.