American singer Justine Washington, known professionally as Baby Washington, was born on October 13, 1940, in Bamberg, South Carolina, United States. She began her career in the late 1950s and in 1956, she joined the vocal group The Hearts and recorded for J & S Records as a member of the Jaynetts. Washington's first solo recording under the name Baby Washington was "Everyday" in 1957. She signed with Neptune Records in 1958 and released two notable hits: "The Time" and "The Bells" which went to number 22 and 20, respectively. In 1961, she signed with ABC Paramount and later moved to Sue Records in 1962, where she achieved her biggest hit, "That's How Heartaches Are Made", which reached the U.S. Billboard Top 40 in 1963. Washington continued to release successful singles, including "Only Those In Love" and collaborations such as a duet with Don Gardner covering the Marvelettes' "Forever" (1973). She has remained active as a live performer, appearing on cruise ships and at festivals like the Prestatyn Soul Weekender in Wales in 2004. Washington's career spans over six decades, marked by her distinctive soulful vocals and enduring influence in early R&B and soul music.
