Queen of Blues' London Story Hits Screen

A large-scale biopic centered on the iconic jazz and blues vocalist Dinah Washington is currently in development. Veteran British playwright Winsome Pinnock has been selected to write the screenplay, with actor Danny Glover attached as an executive producer.

The film is set to chronicle a crucial two-week period Washington spent in London at the peak of her career, following the immense international success of her 1959 Grammy-winning song, "What A Difference A Day Made."

Born Ruth Lee Jones in Alabama, Washington grew up in Chicago, where her musical journey began in church. She gained early professional experience after winning a contest at the Regal Theater at age 15. Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, she dominated music charts, earning the title "Queen of the Blues."

While many of Washington's songs became enduring classics, her work was somewhat overlooked after her death in 1963 until the mid-1980s. Her legacy has since been revitalized through covers by contemporary artists such as Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, and Ledisi, reintroducing her music to younger audiences.

Producer Angie Lee Cobbs, who secured the life rights from the Washington Estate, has been working for 23 years to bring this story to fruition. She believes Pinnock's artistic brilliance and understanding of groundbreaking women of color are essential for honoring Washington's legacy. Washington's grandchildren are also supporting the project, emphasizing the emotional connection their grandmother shared with her audience and the importance of preserving her story.