Dee Dee Bridgewater's voice is a powerful force in jazz music, but it's not just her singing that carries weight - it's also the fire in her belly and the urgency of her message. Speaking with the veteran singer on the eve of a concert in Des Moines, Iowa, it's clear that she's not in the mood for love songs or nostalgic tunes from the 1920s and 30s. Instead, she's compelled to sing about the need to protect democracy and speak out against racism.
At 75, Bridgewater is still going strong, fueled by a determination to create on her own terms and raise her voice whenever she feels silenced. Her experiences as a black woman in jazz have been marked by sexism and ageism, but she refuses to be quiet. In fact, she's founded the Woodshed Network, an all-female band that promotes women in jazz and provides them with the support they need to succeed.
Bridgewater's distaste for the current state of politics is evident, particularly when it comes to the influence of Donald Trump on American institutions like the Kennedy Center. "I'm unsure if [the Woodshed Network] will continue for too much longer," she says, her voice laced with frustration. She's also deeply concerned about the erosion of free speech and the need for artists to use their platform to speak out against injustice.
Despite the challenges, Bridgewater remains committed to her craft, citing Miles Davis and Betty Carter as inspirations who embody the spirit of innovation and control that she strives for in her own career. Her latest album, Elemental, features songs that reflect her anger and frustration, from Billy Taylor's civil rights anthem "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" to Bob Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody."
In a recent performance at the UK's We Out Here festival, Bridgewater was joined by DJs and producers who helped her tap into the energy of the clubs. She's now working on an album with Gilles Peterson and house music legend Louie Vega, a collaboration that promises to bring new excitement to her already storied career.
As she looks to the future, Bridgewater is clear about what drives her: "this is how I make my money, baby, I live out of hotels!" She's a true artist, not beholden to anyone or anything. And yet, despite her independence, she knows that she can't do it alone - that's why she's building a community of like-minded women who share her passion for jazz and her commitment to social justice.
In the end, Bridgewater's voice is a reminder that even in the most challenging times, there is always room for music that speaks truth to power. And with an album on the horizon, her message is more urgent than ever: it's time to raise our voices and make ourselves heard.
At 75, Bridgewater is still going strong, fueled by a determination to create on her own terms and raise her voice whenever she feels silenced. Her experiences as a black woman in jazz have been marked by sexism and ageism, but she refuses to be quiet. In fact, she's founded the Woodshed Network, an all-female band that promotes women in jazz and provides them with the support they need to succeed.
Bridgewater's distaste for the current state of politics is evident, particularly when it comes to the influence of Donald Trump on American institutions like the Kennedy Center. "I'm unsure if [the Woodshed Network] will continue for too much longer," she says, her voice laced with frustration. She's also deeply concerned about the erosion of free speech and the need for artists to use their platform to speak out against injustice.
Despite the challenges, Bridgewater remains committed to her craft, citing Miles Davis and Betty Carter as inspirations who embody the spirit of innovation and control that she strives for in her own career. Her latest album, Elemental, features songs that reflect her anger and frustration, from Billy Taylor's civil rights anthem "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" to Bob Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody."
In a recent performance at the UK's We Out Here festival, Bridgewater was joined by DJs and producers who helped her tap into the energy of the clubs. She's now working on an album with Gilles Peterson and house music legend Louie Vega, a collaboration that promises to bring new excitement to her already storied career.
As she looks to the future, Bridgewater is clear about what drives her: "this is how I make my money, baby, I live out of hotels!" She's a true artist, not beholden to anyone or anything. And yet, despite her independence, she knows that she can't do it alone - that's why she's building a community of like-minded women who share her passion for jazz and her commitment to social justice.
In the end, Bridgewater's voice is a reminder that even in the most challenging times, there is always room for music that speaks truth to power. And with an album on the horizon, her message is more urgent than ever: it's time to raise our voices and make ourselves heard.
u know what's crazy? i just got back from this awesome road trip to the mountains 
and I saw the most beautiful sunset at this lake... it was like the sky was on fire 
and then i thought about how much i love jazz music, especially the way Dee Dee Bridgewater uses her voice to speak out against racism and injustice... it's so inspiring to see someone use their platform for good 
and speaking of platforms, have you tried this new coffee shop downtown? their cold brew is life-changing 
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! Im 50+ yrs old and shes still killing it in music industry. The way she speaks out about politics & social justice is everything - we need more people like her who wont back down from a fight 
Shes an inspiration to many, including myself, especially women in jazz who face sexism & ageism. Bridgewaters Woodshed Network is a genius idea, lets get more women in jazz making noise 
Respect! But honestly, can't we just enjoy some music without being bombarded with all this stuff? It's like, I get it, Dee Dee Bridgewater is passionate about social justice, but can't she just sing her heart out and let us enjoy the vibes? 
We need more women in jazz taking control of their own destiny. 
! And can we talk about how she's using her platform to speak out against injustice? It's so powerful 
. And I'm definitely here for the collaboration with Gilles Peterson and Louie Vega 
. It takes a big person to be vocal about those kinds of issues, you know? 
So yeah, Dee Dee Bridgewater is just the best - keep doing your thing, queen! 
75 and still going strong, that's what I love about Dee Dee Bridgewater - she's a true original 
. It's inspiring to see someone like her using their platform to promote women in jazz and raise awareness about social justice issues 
It just goes to show that age is just a number and that the music industry still has plenty of room for innovation and creativity 
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and let's be real, who wouldn't want to collaborate with gilles peterson and louie vega?! 
anyway, i'm excited for her new album and can't wait to see what she has in store for us 
Dee Dee Bridgewater's unapologetic dedication to creating music that sparks meaningful conversation is truly inspiring. As a 75-year-old icon in jazz, she continues to defy expectations and push boundaries with her latest album Elemental, featuring songs that tackle pressing issues like racism and free speech 
. Bridgewater's collaborations with DJs and producers like Gilles Peterson and Louie Vega are exciting opportunities for new sonic experimentation