b. Justine Washington, 13th November 1940, Bamberg, South Carolina, U.S.A.
Justine Washington is popularly known as Baby Washington.
In her early career, she recorded sides under the name of Jeanette (Baby) Washington.
She is best remembered for her 1963 Top 40 hit, ‘That's How Heartaches Are Made’.
Justine was born in South Carolina, and was raised in Harlem, New York.
the hearts
She was recruited to the line-up of the singing group The Hearts (whose line-up comprised of Joyce James (lead singer), Joyce Peterson, Jeanette 'Baby' Washington, Rex Garvin and Louise Harris Murray) in 1956.
Her early groups also included the vocal ensemble The Jaynetts, who recorded for the J & S Records imprint.
The Jaynetts released the single ‘I Wanted To Be Free’ b/w ‘Where Are You Tonight’.
In 1957, Justine began recording solo sides on J&S records, including ‘Everday’.
The following year she switched labels to the Neptune Records imprint.
In 1959, she achieved two hits at the label, namely ‘The Time’ (R&B number 22) and ‘The Bells’ (R&B number 20).
In 1961, she released the single ‘Nobody Cares’, which charted at number 17 R&B.
Further singles followed for Neptune and ABC Records, which were credited to Jeanette (Baby) Washington.
It was in 1961 she signed to ABC Records, releasing ‘Let Love Go By’, which did not chart, but became popular on the Northern Soul Scene.
that's how heartaches are made - 1963 / only those in love - 1965
with you in mind - 1968 / lay a little lovin' on me - 1973
In 1962, she signed to Sue Records (a label owned by Juggy Murray), where she instantly charted with her biggest single ‘That's How Heartaches Are Made’ in 1963.
In 1965 she charted again with the single ‘Only Those In Love’.
She released further sides on Sue Records, including ‘I Can't Wait Until I See My Baby's Face’, (penned by Chip Taylor and Jerry Ragovoy), and ‘Careless Hands’, (penned by Billy Myles).
At the end of the decade, she began releasing sides, including a remake, duet with Don Gardner, of The Marvelettes song ‘Forever’, (which reached number 30 R&B).
A solo single called ‘I’ve Got To Break Away’, reached number 73 on the R&B charts.
i wanna dance - 1978
The arrival of the Disco genre put a halt to her career during the late Seventies.
Dusty Springfield stated that Justine was her all-time favourite singer.
She covered her song ‘I Can't Wait Until I See My Baby's Face’.
Justine still performs live, often in Europe, and performed with the Enchanters in Philadelphia and Baltimore in 2008.
Albums:
solo:
That's How Heartaches Are Made (Sue Records 1963)
Only Those In Love (Sue Records 1965)
With You In Mind (Veep Records 1968)
with Don Gardner:
Lay A Little Lovin' On Me (Master Five Records 1973)
solo:
I Wanna Dance (AVI Records 1978)
