In the 1950s, there weren’t many artists bigger than Dinah Washington. Now, over sixty years later, the late singer’s triumphant professional run will be revisited on the big screen.
On February 18, Deadline exclusively revealed that a biopic centering on Dinah Washington’s life is in the works. Rolling Fork Productions, which secured Washington’s life rights, and its producer, Angie Lee Cobbs, are at the helm of the production. While the forthcoming feature’s script will be crafted by playwright Winsome Pinnock. According to the outlet, Danny Glover has signed on to executive-produce the film.
The picture will reportedly follow the two weeks after Washington’s (born Ruth Lee Jone) 1959 Grammy Award win for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance (“What a Diff’rence a Day Makes”).
In a statement, Pinnock spoke about Washington’s revered talent.
“Dinah was a superlative musician who harnessed the power of music to disrupt, resist, and heal,” said Pinnock. “While her rebelliousness came at a cost, it allowed her to transcend the expectations placed on Black women and blaze a trail for every artist who came after her.”
Although Dinah Washington died in 1963, the biopic has only been in the works since the 2000s. Cobbs outlined this in a statement to Deadline.
“It’s taken 23 years to bring her story to this point,” said Cobbs. “Winsome brings the perfect combination of artistic brilliance and a deep understanding of what it means to be a groundbreaking woman of color in the arts. Her voice will be essential in honoring Dinah’s legacy.”
Washington’s grandchildren, who head her estate, are in full support of the biopic.
“Preserving her legacy is incredibly important to us, and we cannot wait to share her story with audiences around the world,” said the estate in a statement.
Dinah Washington’s career was briefly highlighted in the 2021 Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect. Washington was played by Mary J. Blige.
Washington has been praised by many legendary musicians, including the late Quincy Jones, Lady Gaga, and Ledisi. In October 2025, Ledisi recorded a tribute album, For Dinah, in Washington’s honor.
At this time, a project release date, working title, or cast list has not yet been shared. For further dates, be sure to follow the official Dinah Washington Instagram fan page.