For Dinah Ledisi
- 1 What A Difference A Day Made 04:45
- 2 If I Never Get To Heaven 06:06
- 3 Caravan 02:43
- 4 Let's Do It 02:57
- 5 You Don't Know What Love Is 05:13
- 6 You've Got What It Takes 03:19
- 7 You Go To My Head 03:10
- 8 This Bitter Earth 05:04
Info for For Dinah
For Dinah is a deeply personal tribute from Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi to her lifelong hero, the legendary, but too often overlooked, Dinah Washington. Produced by jazz heavyweight Christian McBride, the album blends Ledisi’s signature soul with Washington’s bold spirit, reclaiming space for a pioneer who made it possible for women like her to thrive. This passion project channels the glamour, and sensuality that defined Dinah’s legacy — all filtered through Ledisi’s singular voice. The album features standout collaborations, including a duet with Grammy winning vocalist Gregory Porter and appearances by top-tier musicians like Paul Jackson Jr. and rising star Michael King. More than a musical salute, For Dinah is a thank-you letter from one powerful Black woman to another — an homage to an artist who cleared the path that Ledisi has spent her life navigating.
“She gave me permission to move freely, create freely, be a woman in leadership, wear and say what I want.” Adding, “Before there was Aretha, there was Dinah. She deserves to be recognized in today’s music as well. So instead of asking me ‘Why Dinah?,’ you should be asking ‘Why not Dinah?’” (Ledisi)
Born in New Orleans and shaped by the Bay Area, Ledisi has emerged as a leading voice in contemporary R&B. She’s earned a Grammy win, 14 nominations, and widespread acclaim for portraying her musical heroes on stage, record, and screen — including Mahalia Jackson in Selma and Remember Me. Her most recent Grammy nod was for Ledisi Sings Nina, a tribute praised by The New York Times for capturing both Nina Simone’s depth and Ledisi’s own stunning vocal range. As the critic Salamishah Tillet pointed out in their glowing profile, Ledisi Sings Nina lifts up “the diversity and depth of Simone’s musicianship and the breathtaking range and reach of Ledisi’s own voice.”
"In that sense, Ledisi’s tribute is also a declaration of her own place in the lineage. Just as Dinah Washington once expanded the definitions of jazz and blues, Ledisi broadens what it means to be an artist in the 21st century: not only a voice but a teacher, a leader, a writer, and a builder of futures. The album stands, finally, as a work of remembrance, renewal, and reverence, a bridge across generations, carried by a voice that insists on clarity, generosity, and grace." (Thierry De Clemensat, Paris-Move)
Ledisi, lead vocals
Brandon Coleman, piano
Lyndon Rochelle, drums
Brandon Rose, double bass
Gregory Porter, vocals (track 6)
Paul Jackson Jr., vocals (track 7)
Michael King, guitar
Christian McBride, double bass (track 5)
Guests:
Sara Hewitt-Roth, cello
McClenty Hunter Jr., drums
Yuko Naito-Gotay, violin
Lisa Matricardi, violin
Antoine Silverman, violin
Ledisi
a Grammy Award-winning artist hailed as one of the most captivating vocalists of her generation, is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Over the course of her career, Ledisi has continually pushed boundaries and redefined the soul and R&B genres with her electrifying performances and powerful storytelling.
Born in New Orleans and raised in Oakland, Ledisi’s journey to stardom is a testament to her unwavering passion and dedication to her craft. From her early beginnings performing in local clubs to gracing the world’s most prestigious stages, including a sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall, Ledisi has captivated audiences with her soul-stirring voice and magnetic stage presence.
Ledisi’s remarkable talent has earned her critical acclaim and numerous accolades throughout her career. With 15 Grammy nominations, including a win for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “I Need To Know,” her impact on the music industry is undeniable. Her chart-topping singles, including “Pieces of Me,” have solidified her status as a trailblazer in contemporary soul music.
Ledisi’s commitment to artistic excellence extends beyond the music industry. As an actress, author, and advocate, Ledisi has used her platform to uplift and inspire others. Her notable film roles in “Leatherheads” and “Spinning Gold,” along with her acclaimed portrayals of Mahalia Jackson in “Remember Me” and “Selma,” have showcased her versatility and talent.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Ledisi has advocated many times on Capitol Hill for the rights of writers and performers. In 2023, Ledisi was inducted into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., served as past president of the LA Chapter, and is currently a Trustee of the Recording Academy. Ledisi has also been bestowed the honor of garnering an honorary Doctorate Degree from Berklee School of Music at their 2024 Commencement, which further solidifies her influence and impact in the entertainment industry.
This album contains no booklet.