<back - BABY WASHINGTON - Fate has often denied fame and recognition to countless artists in proportion to their artistry. But the gods were really working overtime in the case of R&B vocalist Baby Washington, who never made any significant crossover impression whatsoever----despite a succession of quality releases. Her delectable, sultry, and gorgeous vocals were the perfect blend of Gospel, Soul, and Pop, and she deserves a place in the same rarified company as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Gladys Knight.

Born 1940 in South Carolina, Justine “Baby” Washington was raised in Harlem. She recorded one song early in her career with the Jaynetts, and, of course, they later scored a massive national hit (#2) with Sally Go Round The Roses in 1964. Her breakout record was 'The Time' in 1959. A classic for all time! In 1959, Baby also registered solidly with 'The Bells' (U.S. R&B Top 20). Washington garnered 16 R&B chart entries from 1959 through 1973. Nobody Cares from 1961 is a slice of heartrending Soul. In 1962, she switched to Sue Records and delivered a US National Top 40 charting entry with the sublime That’s How Heartaches Are Made. It’s been covered by everyone from the Marvelettes to Bette Midler. 1964’s It’ll Never Be Over For Me was later covered by los lobos. In 1965, Baby entered the R&B Top 10 with Only Those In Love. Never has the chasm between artistic achievement and commercial impact seemed wider. After leaving Sue Records, Washington’s recording output dwindled, although her discography shows a few releases under the Chess Records banner. It was her second go-round with the Chess Brothers, as she had recorded about a dozen sides for their Checker subsidiary in the 50’s. By the 70’s Washington was experiencing a career revival, charting with I’ve Got To Break Away; and she also teamed up with Don Gardner (I Need Your Lovin’) charting R&B(# 30) on a revival of the Marvelettes 'Forever'. Like so many important artists, her career couldn’t withstand the onslaught of Disco, leading to her retirement from the music business in the mid-70’s. Baby Washington has a series of excellent albums to her credit, such as 1963’s That’s How Heartaches Are Made. They were anticipated by audiophiles that extended beyond Soul fans, namely Jazz devotees, R&B aficionados, and Blues enthusiasts. Just dig the following quote from New Wave pioneer Genya Ravan (Ten Wheel Drive): “She has one of my favorite female voices in the world, her and Ray Charles. If you put me away in a jail cell and tell me you’re going to give me life, just give me Ray Charles and Baby Washington, and I’ll be happy!” -Gary Tate  Mp3- Nobody Cares