Ledisi For Dinah LP

TAS Rated 4.5/5 Music, 4.5/5 Sonics in the February 2026 Issue of The Absolute Sound!

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.

While Washington's albums usually featured prominent horns and strings, these tasteful arrangements are blissfully sparse. Ledisi doesn't imitate or emulate Washington's plucky vocal style but rather evokes her sensual spirit on such steamy standards as 'You Don't Know What Love Is' and her stunning ballad treatment of 'What a Difference a Day Makes.' Her Velvety smooth vocal compliments a brass-heavy big band on Ellington's 'Caravan.' She's sassy on the Cole Porter standard 'Let's Do It' and is joined by singer Gregory Porter on 'You've Got What It Takes,' a pairing made in heaven. The closing ballad, 'This Bitter Earth,' composed by longtime Washington producer Clyde Otis, is just breathtaking. Like the old show-biz adage goes, leave 'em wanting for more. Missing accomplished.