Dee Dee Bridgewater is 75 years old, an age where many singers may choose to slow down, but the jazz legend refuses to be silenced. With a career spanning over six decades and two Grammy awards under her belt, she still exudes energy, idealism, and a sense of urgency that propels her music.
Bridgewater's journey began in Memphis, Tennessee, where she was introduced to African American music by her jazz musician father. She sang with bands throughout college, and at 20, married jazz trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater, whose band Horace Silver played Detroit on their honeymoon tour. This experience led to an impromptu performance of Love Vibrations, which caught the attention of pianist Horace Silver.
However, it was not all smooth sailing for Bridgewater. She faced criticism from Max Roach, who called her "Abbey" during a performance with his band. Despite this, she continued to work with other jazz greats like Ray Charles and Dizzy Gillespie, learning valuable lessons about entertainment and collaboration.
In the 1970s, Bridgewater transitioned to pop music, winning a Tony award for her role in The Wiz, before settling in Paris for over two decades. During this time, she developed into a superb interpreter of jazz standards, releasing albums dedicated to Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.
In the 2000s, Bridgewater traveled to Mali, where she was inspired by the country's rich musical heritage and began incorporating griot songs into her music. Her 2007 album Red Earth: A Malian Journey showcased this unique blend of west African jazz fusion.
Today, Bridgewater is as energetic as ever, citing Miles Davis and Betty Carter as inspirations for her own approach to music production and ownership. She has no intention of slowing down, with recent performances at the We Out Here festival and an upcoming album with Gilles Peterson and Louie Vega.
Bridgewater's current focus is on using her platform to speak out against racism and protect democracy. Her music often tackles pressing issues like police brutality, voter suppression, and social inequality. She believes that as a jazz singer, she has a responsibility to use her voice for good, inspiring young people to get involved in the struggle.
When asked about her experiences with racism, Bridgewater's tone is stern but compassionate. "I'm trying to wake people up through songs," she says, "but I fear this government is going to start cracking down on free speech and coming after those of us who speak out."
As one of America's foremost jazz voices, Dee Dee Bridgewater is a true iconoclast, refusing to be silenced by the challenges of her age or the obstacles that have come her way. Her music is a testament to her enduring passion for justice, equality, and the power of the human voice.
Bridgewater's journey began in Memphis, Tennessee, where she was introduced to African American music by her jazz musician father. She sang with bands throughout college, and at 20, married jazz trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater, whose band Horace Silver played Detroit on their honeymoon tour. This experience led to an impromptu performance of Love Vibrations, which caught the attention of pianist Horace Silver.
However, it was not all smooth sailing for Bridgewater. She faced criticism from Max Roach, who called her "Abbey" during a performance with his band. Despite this, she continued to work with other jazz greats like Ray Charles and Dizzy Gillespie, learning valuable lessons about entertainment and collaboration.
In the 1970s, Bridgewater transitioned to pop music, winning a Tony award for her role in The Wiz, before settling in Paris for over two decades. During this time, she developed into a superb interpreter of jazz standards, releasing albums dedicated to Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.
In the 2000s, Bridgewater traveled to Mali, where she was inspired by the country's rich musical heritage and began incorporating griot songs into her music. Her 2007 album Red Earth: A Malian Journey showcased this unique blend of west African jazz fusion.
Today, Bridgewater is as energetic as ever, citing Miles Davis and Betty Carter as inspirations for her own approach to music production and ownership. She has no intention of slowing down, with recent performances at the We Out Here festival and an upcoming album with Gilles Peterson and Louie Vega.
Bridgewater's current focus is on using her platform to speak out against racism and protect democracy. Her music often tackles pressing issues like police brutality, voter suppression, and social inequality. She believes that as a jazz singer, she has a responsibility to use her voice for good, inspiring young people to get involved in the struggle.
When asked about her experiences with racism, Bridgewater's tone is stern but compassionate. "I'm trying to wake people up through songs," she says, "but I fear this government is going to start cracking down on free speech and coming after those of us who speak out."
As one of America's foremost jazz voices, Dee Dee Bridgewater is a true iconoclast, refusing to be silenced by the challenges of her age or the obstacles that have come her way. Her music is a testament to her enduring passion for justice, equality, and the power of the human voice.
75 and still going strong? I get it, Dee Dee's a legend, but can't she just take a well-deserved break already? 
Six decades in the industry is a looong time to be touring and recording. And don't even get me started on her album with Gilles Peterson and Louie Vega... what's next, an album with the same person twice? 
The jazz world loves her, but can't she let someone else have a turn in the spotlight for once? 
just kidding, Dee Dee's still got it. I mean, she's been around for decades and still performing like a pro. But have you seen the state of the music industry lately? So many artists are just churning out mediocre content to make a quick buck. It's all about streaming now 
. And what's with all these collaborations? It feels like every artist is just trying to appeal to the masses instead of creating something real.
It's all so complicated. Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is that Dee Dee Bridgewater may still have it going on, but the music industry as a whole is a mess.
It's scary to think that someone as powerful and iconic as Dee Dee Bridgewater could be silenced just because she's speaking truth to power. But I have faith in her and her message - she's got a responsibility to use her voice for good, and I know she'll keep on doing just that 
i mean, six decades in the game and two grammys to show for it? that's dedication, folks. and she's still got that fire in her belly, using her platform to speak out against racism and protect democracy 
. i love how she's not afraid to call out the government when they're being shady about free speech 
. she's like a beacon of hope for young people who want to make a difference. and can we talk about her music? it's like a masterclass in jazz fusion - she's got this amazing blend of west african rhythms and american jazz that just makes you wanna move your body 
. anyway, i'm so here for dee dee bridgewater and everything she stands for 
I mean, can you even imagine having to deal with all that pressure and criticism when you're still young? She's been through so much - from her dad introducing her to jazz in Memphis to being told she's "Abbey" by Max Roach (what a jerk!) but she just kept on going! And let's be real, who else could rock the stage like she does at 75?! 
. I love that she's speaking out against racism and protecting democracy - we need more people like her who are willing to use their voice to make a difference 
. And can we talk about her jazz skills? She's been doing this for over 60 years and still killing it 
. I'm excited to hear what's next from her, especially that new album with Gilles Peterson and Louie Vega - let the good times roll! 
75 and still killing it! Dee Dee Bridgewater's energy is contagious 
.
and now she's using her platform to speak out against police brutality & voter suppression it gives me chills thinking about how passionate she is about justice & equality 
i love how she cites miley davis & betty carter as inspirations for her approach to music production & ownership it shows that she's always been true to herself and never afraid to take risks