Born Ruth Lee Jones, Washington grew up in Chicago and first learnt to sing in church. She featured as Lionel Hampton’s singer in the early 1940s before launching a solo career. Her run of Top 10 R&B songs during the 1950s earned her the nickname "Queen of the Blues." She recorded numerous hit songs, including "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes" and "Unforgettable." At the same time as her commercial success, she also recorded with many jazz musicians, including CLifford Brown and Cannonball Adderley. Washington passed away in her sleep at age 39.