Dinah Was

Dinah Was is a candid musical portrait of the late great “queen of the blues,” Dinah Washington, whose talent ranked her among singers like Billie Holliday, Bessie Smith, and Ella Fitzgerald. A 1960 battle with a racist hotel serves to anchor the story as the singer’s life is revealed through vignettes and scenes replaying some of the key moments in her journey to stardom. Dinah craved an uncompromising life, and battled agents, producers, and record companies to make the music she wanted without humility or apology. The resulting intimate story reveals a talented musician and a caring, feeling woman who seeks unconditional love in spite of everything.