Jazz singer Ernestine Anderson dies

SEATTLE, Wash. — Jazz and blues singer Ernestine Anderson is dead.

She died Thursday night in Seattle surrounded by friends and family, says Vivian Philips, a spokesperson for the family.

Anderson moved to Seattle with her family when she was 16-years-old. She was born in Houston.

She started singing when she was 3-years-old, Philips says, singing along to her parent’s blues records.

Anderson gained notoriety in the early 1940’s, singing alongside Russell Jacquet, Eddie Heywood, Shifty Henry and Johnny Otis.

Anderson performed with a Seattle contemporary and fellow Garfield High School graduate Quincy Jones, another famous black American musician.

Jones described her voice as, “honey at dusk”.

Anderson released more than 30 albums over the course of her 60-plus year career.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray released a statement on her death on Friday.

"Ernestine was a giant of the jazz community and a Seattle ambassador to the world," said Mayor Murray. "She represented the best of our city. Her work was a vibrant part of our community's culture. I will never forget her performances and I feel fortunate to have witnessed her artistry and genius. Her recordings will live on and influence other musicians for years to come."

Cox Media Group