Tuscaloosa, Alabama (August 29, 1924 -December 14, 1963) 39 yrs

Born Ruth Jones in 1924, Dinah Washington became one of America’s most popular and versatile singers. She began her career as a gospel singer. She established herself as the “queen of the blues.” She also made recordings of jazz, pop, rhythm and blues, and even country songs. Her signature song was “What a Difference a Day Makes.” Unfortunately, her life was tragically cut short when she died after an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.