o A 42-track, 2CD retrospective of Dinah Washington – one of America’s greatest singers - blessed with a unique voice and the ability to sing in virtually any style : jazz, blues, R&B, and pop. She began as a gospel singer, but was singing MOR pop by the early 60s. But she was never restricted by genre, and might sometimes choose a country song, novelty or pop covers as easily as jazz or blues.

o Her first break was with the Lionel Hampton band in 1943 - where she stayed for three years, before starting her solo career. She worked with many top jazz names including Ben Webster, Clifford Brown, Cannonball Adderley, Clark Terry, Wynton Kelly and many more.

o Her personal life was often difficult, including seven marriages, and she often divided critics and even the public by the musical directions she took. She died in 1963, following an accidental overdose of diet pills and alcohol - but left behind a body of work that hugely influenced soul and pop music and all subsequent generations of jazz & blues singers.

o This edition is selected by Jean Buzelin, who also wrote the notes in the excellent 24-page booklet (in English & French).