This Bitter Earth

Dinah Washington

About This Bitter Earth

"This Bitter Earth" is a 1960 song made famous by rhythm and blues singer Dinah Washington. Written and produced by Clyde Otis, it peaked to #1 on the U. S. R&B charts for the week of July 25, 1960, and also reached #24 on the U. S. pop charts. The song is a key piece in the 1978 film Killer of Sheep by director Charles Burnett.


Year:
2001
2:29
103 

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Dinah Washington

Dinah Washington, born Ruth Lee Jones (August 29, 1924 – December 14, 1963), was an American Pianist, Blues, R&B, Gospel, Pop and Jazz singer. She has been cited as "the most popular black female recording artist of the '50s", and called "The Queen of the Blues". She is a 1986 inductee of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. more »

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10 facts about this song

Release History
"This Bitter Earth" is one of Dinah Washington's most recognized songs, originally released in 1960. The song is from her album, titled "Unforgettable."
Chart Performance
The song was a chart success. It peaked at the top position on the Billboard Hot R&B Sides chart, making it one of Washington's biggest hits.
Musical Style
The song beautifully combines elements of blues, jazz, and traditional pop, creating a unique sound that reflects Dinah Washington's musical versatility.
Famed Producer
The song was produced by the highly well-respected record producer, Clyde Otis, who worked extensively with Washington during her career.
Emotional Depth
"This Bitter Earth" stands out for its moody, emotional depth. Washington's powerful and stunning vocals express a profound sense of pain and despair that resonates with listeners.
Version by Other Artists
The song has been covered by various artists over the years. Notable versions include those by Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and opera singer Jessye Norman.
Movie Soundtrack
"This Bitter Earth" was famously featured on the soundtracks of popular films including "Killer of Sheep"(1978) and "Shutter Island"(2010).
Posthumous Recognition
Dinah tragically died at the age of 39, just 3 years after the release of "This Bitter Earth." The song continues to be remembered as one of her greatest contributions to music.
Use in Ballet
In 2010, choreographer Christopher Wheeldon created a ballet titled "This Bitter Earth" to a version of the song that combined Dinah Washington's original with music by Max Richter.
Legacy
The emotional intensity of "This Bitter Earth" continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release, a testament to Dinah Washington's enduring legacy as one of the finest singers of her era.

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    This Bitter Earth

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1960

    Billboard #24


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