Biography
Ernestine Anderson (November 11, 1928 – March 10, 2016) was an acclaimed American jazz and blues vocalist whose career spanned more than six decades. Born in Houston, Texas, Anderson was immersed in music from an early age, singing along to her parents’ blues records and performing gospel solos at her grandmother’s church. Her family relocated to Seattle when she was 16, where she quickly became a fixture in the city’s vibrant jazz scene, performing with the Junior Band led by 'Bumps' Blackwell and sharing the stage with future legends like Quincy Jones and Ray Charles.
Anderson’s professional breakthrough came in the 1950s, touring with Johnny Otis and Lionel Hampton before recording her debut album 'Hot Cargo' in Sweden in 1956. The album’s U.S. release in 1958 garnered critical acclaim, with jazz critic Ralph J. Gleason calling her 'the best new jazz singer in a decade.' She went on to perform at major venues and festivals worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and the Monterey Jazz Festival, and recorded over 30 albums. Despite challenges during the rock-dominated 1960s, Anderson experienced a resurgence in the 1970s and 1980s, earning four Grammy nominations and solidifying her reputation as one of jazz’s leading vocalists.
Known for her impeccable phrasing, warm tone, and ability to infuse songs with storytelling depth, Anderson left a lasting legacy on both jazz and blues. She was celebrated as 'Seattle’s First Lady of Jazz' and inspired generations of musicians with her artistry and resilience.
Fun Facts
- Ernestine Anderson was a twin; her sister's name was Josephine Anderson.
- She performed at the first Monterey Jazz Festival in 1958 and returned five more times over the next 33 years.
- Anderson moved to London in the 1960s to continue working as a jazz singer when rock music dominated the U.S. scene.
- She was nominated for four Grammy Awards and performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Bumps Blackwell - Discovered Anderson as a teenager and hired her for his Junior Band in Seattle, providing early professional guidance. (Junior Band performances in Seattle) [1940s]
Key Collaborators
- Quincy Jones - Performed together in Seattle's jazz scene and later joined his Qwest Records label in the 1990s. (Seattle jazz clubs, Qwest Records releases) [1940s, 1990s]
- Ray Charles - Played together in Seattle bands during their youth. (Seattle jazz clubs) [1940s]
- Lionel Hampton - Anderson toured with Hampton's orchestra, gaining national exposure. (Touring and performances) [1952–1953]
- Johnny Otis - Anderson toured with Otis's band for a year after leaving Seattle. (Touring and performances) [mid-1940s]
- Gigi Gryce - Recorded with Gryce on his 1955 album 'Nica's Tempo,' marking her first major recording. (Nica's Tempo (1955)) [1955]
- Ray Brown - Served as her manager during her career resurgence in the 1970s. (Career management, Concord Jazz Festival) [1970s]
Artists Influenced
- Seattle jazz vocalists - Anderson is widely recognized as a trailblazer for women and African American artists in Seattle, inspiring local musicians. (Seattle jazz scene legacy) [1960s–2010s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| My Kinda Swing | 1960-01-01 | Album |
| It's Time For Ernestine | 1958 | Album |
| When The Sun Goes Down | 1985-01-01 | Album |
| Ernestine Anderson | 1958-01-01 | Album |
| Never Make Your Move Too Soon | 1981-01-01 | Album |
| Sunshine | 1980-01-01 | Album |
| Four Classic Albums Plus (Lullabies for Losers / Change of Scenery / Have You Forgotten? / The Fascinating Ernestine) | 2025-01-28 | Album |
| Essential Classics, Vol. 620: Ernestine Anderson | 2025-09-19 | Album |
| Black Moonlight | 2020-12-18 | Album |
| The New Sound of Ernestine Anderson | 2013-01-01 | Album |
| Clouds and colors | 2025-07-11 | Album |
| Echoes of the soul | 2025-06-12 | Album |
| Britaniya Rose | 2025-02-10 | Album |
| Autumn in New York | 2020-06-28 | Album |
| Ernestine Anderson Swings the Penthouse (Recorded Live in 1962) | 2015-02-17 | Album |
Top Tracks
- It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) (My Kinda Swing)
- See See Rider (My Kinda Swing)
- Moonlight In Vermont (My Kinda Swing)
- Love for Sale (It's Time For Ernestine)
- I Love Being Here With You (When The Sun Goes Down)
- Mad About the Boy (It's Time For Ernestine)
- They Didn't Believe Me (My Kinda Swing)
- My Kinda Love (My Kinda Swing)
- That Old Feeling (It's Time For Ernestine)
- Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams (It's Time For Ernestine)
External Links
Tags: #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
ernestine anderson has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 29, 2025 | 17:02 | all bluesfrom i love being here with you | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón |