Dee Dee Bridgewater

Dee Dee Bridgewater, born Denise Garrett on May 27, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, is a celebrated American jazz vocalist and actress known for her powerful voice and dynamic performances. A three-time Grammy Award winner and Tony Award recipient, she has made significant contributions to both music and theater. For 23 years, she captivated audiences as the host of NPR's JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater and serves as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Bridgewater's musical journey began in her childhood while growing up in Flint, Michigan, where her father, a jazz trumpeter, introduced her to the genre. At just 16, she began performing in a Rock and R&B trio, and after attending Michigan State University and the University of Illinois, she toured the Soviet Union with her school’s jazz band in 1969.

Her career took off in the early 1970s when she joined the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, leading to collaborations with jazz legends like Sonny Rollins and Dizzy Gillespie. In 1974, she released her debut solo album, Afro Blue, and made her Broadway debut in The Wiz, winning a Tony Award for her role as Glinda in 1975.

Bridgewater's versatility shone through in various productions, including her acclaimed portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Day, which earned her a Laurence Olivier Award nomination. She returned to jazz in the late 1980s, performing at prestigious festivals and releasing the Grammy-winning tribute album Dear Ella in 1997. Her discography also includes explorations of Kurt Weill's works and French classics, showcasing her diverse artistic range.