A pioneering soul singer of the 1960s, known for her powerful, emotive voice and classic hits like "That's How Heartaches Are Made" and "Only Those in Love".
Baby Washington, born Justine Washington, is an American soul music vocalist renowned for her 16 Billboard R&B chart entries between 1959 and 1974, with her biggest hit "That's How Heartaches Are Made" in 1963, which also cracked the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Born on October 13, 1940, in Bamberg, South Carolina, Washington was raised in Harlem, New York. She began her music career in 1956 as a member of the vocal group The Hearts, recording for J&S Records. Her early solo work, credited as Baby Washington, started in 1957 with the single "Everyday".
In 1958, Washington signed with Donald Shaw's Neptune Records, establishing herself as a soul singer with two hits in 1959: "The Time" (U.S. R&B No. 22) and "The Bells" (U.S. R&B No. 20). Her success continued with "Nobody Cares" (U.S. R&B No. 17) in 1961.
In 1961, Washington moved to ABC Paramount, though her two releases for the label didn't achieve the same success. However, her self-written "Let Love Go By" later became a notable Northern soul single. She then signed with Juggy Murray's Sue Records in 1962, scoring her only Top 40 hit with "That's How Heartaches Are Made" in 1963.
Washington's Sue Records era was marked by several notable releases, including "I Can't Wait Until I See My Baby's Face", co-written by Chip Taylor and Jerry Ragovoy, and "Careless Hands", penned by Billy Myles. Her 1964 single "Only Those In Love" also reached the U.S. R&B Top 10.
In the early 1970s, Washington revived her career by covering the Marvelettes' "Forever" as a duet with Don Gardner, which reached No. 30 on the R&B chart. Her solo release, "I've Got To Break Away", made it to number 73 on the R&B chart.
Baby Washington's contributions to soul music have left an indelible mark on the genre. Her unique voice and style have inspired generations of artists, and her hits continue to be celebrated by music enthusiasts today.
Baby Washington's legacy serves as a testament to her enduring talent and dedication to soul music. Her music continues to captivate audiences, and her influence can be heard in the works of many contemporary artists.
84 Years Old
The "Queen of Soul" was a legendary vocalist, songwriter, and pianist who revolutionized music with her powerful, soulful voice and classic hits like "Respect" and "Think".
88 Years Old
A legendary blues singer known for her powerful, soulful voice and classic hits like "At Last" and "I'd Rather Go Blind".
95 Years Old
A legendary musician who pioneered soul music, blending gospel, blues, and jazz to create a unique sound, and is iconic for his smooth, soulful voice and hit songs like "What'd I Say" and "Georgia on My Mind".
95 Years Old
Pioneering soul and R&B vocalist, known for smooth, velvety voice and iconic hits like "A Change Is Gonna Come" and "You Send Me".
Born in 1920
The "Godfather of Soul" was a legendary musician and performer who revolutionized funk and soul music with his unique sound and energetic stage presence. He is most known for his iconic hits like "I Got You" and "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag".
97 Years Old
A rock 'n' roll pioneer who blended blues, R&B, and rock to create a unique sound, influencing many famous musicians with his innovative guitar playing and songwriting style.
99 Years Old
Rock 'n' roll pioneer who wrote and performed iconic hits like "Johnny B. Goode" and "Maybellene", blending country, blues, and rhythm to create a unique sound.
93 Years Old
A flamboyant and charismatic rock 'n' roll pioneer, known for hits like "Tutti Frutti" and "Good Golly Miss Molly", blending gospel, blues, and boogie-woogie styles.
