Way back in 1999, the theater production “Dinah Was” hit stages in Chicago. It was an opportunity to get an inside look at Washington’s life, but like many stories that are translated from real life into performance, some things weren’t entirely accurate — and that was according to what Washington’s sisters, Clarissa Smith and Estrellita Dukes, told the Chicago Reader.
Chief among those misunderstood, exaggerated things was the relationship between Washington and her mother, Alice. Her sisters — who pointed out that when Washington hit it big, one of the major purchases she made was a house for her mother — clarified that although they didn’t see eye to eye on many things, it wasn’t a matter of outright conflict. Dukes explained, “It’s true we were a religious family and my mother never really reconciled herself to the fact that Ruth stopped singing in the churches. My mother didn’t approve of Ruth’s lifestyle — the drinking, swearing, husbands. … But just because you don’t get along with someone, doesn’t mean you don’t love them.”
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The James Haskins biography of Dinah Washington, “Queen of the Blues,” suggests that from the time Washington was little, the relationship was a difficult one. Alice Jones wasn’t just incredibly religious, but she was incredibly judgemental as well. Near-constant criticism left Washington believing that she could do no right, and wondering if her mother even loved her. Still, Washington always made sure that she provided for her family: When she passed away right before Christmas, her sisters found their gifts carefully wrapped and ready for the holidays.
