Justine Washington

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This article is about soul vocalist Justine Washington, better known as Baby Washington. For the funk vocalist of a similar name, see Jeanette Washington.

Justine "Baby" Washington (born November 13, 1940 in Bamberg, South Carolina) is an American soul music vocalist.

Washington was raised in Harlem. In 1956, she joined the vocal group The Hearts, then began as a solo artist the following year. Washington had 16 rhythm and blues chart entries in 15 years, most of them during the 1960s. Most of her early work was released as singles.

Washington initially recorded on Donald Shaw's Neptune Records label. She established herself as a major soul singer with two hits in 1959: "The Time" (US R&B Top 30) and "The Bells" (US R&B Top 20). She followed up with the hit "Nobody Cares" (US R&B Top 20) in 1961.

She moved to Juggy Murray's Sue Records in 1962, where she hit the US national Top 40 with "That's How Heartaches Are Made" (1963) and the US R&B Top 10 with "Only Those In Love" (1965).

Washington revived her career in the early 1970s covering the Marvelettes' "Forever", (number 30 R&B) as a duet with Don Gardner. Her solo release "I've Got To Break Away" made number 73 on the R&B charts, after which the advent of disco led to a decline in her popularity.

Washington has never experienced great crossover recognition, although Dusty Springfield cited Washington as her all-time favorite singer.

[edit] A note on names

Baby Washington recorded several songs early in her career under the name "Jeanette Washington," which has led to confusion between her and a younger funk vocalist who recorded under the same name. Washington also recorded one song in her early career as a part of a group called the Jaynetts. Below are singles recorded by Baby Washington under the name Jeanette:

  • The Jaynetts (feat. Jeanette Washington & The Hearts): I Wanted To Be Free / Where Are You Tonight (1958 J&S, 1765/6)
  • Jeanette B. Washington: Medicine Man / Tears Fell (August 1960, Neptune 120)
  • Jeanette (Baby) Washington: Too Late / Move On (December 1960, Neptune 121)
  • Jeanette (Baby) Washington (with background vocals by The De Vaurs): Nobody Cares (About Me) * / Money's Funny (March 1961, Neptune 122)
  • Jeanette (Baby) Washington: Let Love Go By / My Time To Cry (May 1961, ABC Paramount 10223)
  • Jeanette (Baby) Washington: There You Go Again / Don't Cry, Foolish Heart (September 1961, ABC Paramount 10245)
* A-side Billboard/R&B #17 and Billboard/Pop #60

[edit] References


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