Shining Dinah

Dinah Washington, an American singer and pianist, was one of the most celebrated Black female recording artists of the 1950s. I first heard her rendition of “Teach Me Tonight” in the early 2000s, more than 50 years after it was originally recorded. After that, I made it my mission to discover more of her music. Her voice was distinct, compelling, and unforgettable in every song she sang.

This work is based on a photograph taken of her in 1952. In it, she appears young and radiant with possibility, which is what drew me to this image.

24” x 18”, framed to 30” x 24”, charcoal on toned paper