Earl Washington (musician)

Washington died of a heart attack on June 18, 1975 in Evergreen Park.

Washington also made several recordings with his band “Earl Washington, All Star Jazz” (1954-1964).

- Mr. Pate worked as a Pianist, Bassist; an Arranger of Production Numbers for the Club Delisa (in the 1950s); a Composer, Conductor, and Producer is an important figure in the evolution of music on the Chicago music scene. His name appears in the credits of classic hits by Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions. He also acts on Okeh Records and Workshop Jazz label; wrote and scored “Shaft In Africa,” which became a theme backdrop for Jay Z’ 2006 platinum award winning CD Show Me What You Got.

Washington joined the Red Saunders Band in 1949 at the popular nightclub Club DeLisa, where he remained until the mid 1950s. On leaving Saunders' band, Washington worked in the recording studios of Chicago, Detroit and New York City. He wrote music for Motown artists and recorded scores and jingles with Chicago's jazz pioneer/innovator Quincy Jones and nationally known Chicago disc jockey Herb Kent on Chicago's WVON Radio.

From 1947 to 1954 Washington was part of Red Saunders Band at the Club Delisa.

After time spent in the Navy, he attended both the Boston and Chicago Conservatories of Music. He joined the Chicago Musicians' Union Local 10–208 on November 15, 1945.

During World War II, Washington enlisted in the United States Navy as an Apprentice Seaman II; emphasis as a musician (MU SEA). He joined the Illinois Great Lakes Navy Orchestra from 1943 to 1945.

In the summer of 1938, Washington competed in the Chicago Golden Gloves boxing tournament. It is unknown if he won the event at his 160-pound weight class.

Earl "The Ghost" Washington (April 3, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois – June 18, 1975 in Evergreen Park, Illinois) was a jazz pianist.

Earl Edward Washington was born, the third child (two older sisters before him), on Sunday, April 3, 1921, in the Prairie Avenue District neighborhood on the near Southeast Side of Chicago. His parents experienced hard economic times in the pre- and post-Depression era, moving their ever-expanding family to the small neighborhood of Morgan Park where they could afford a home. Washington attended Washburn High School, also on the South side of Chicago, that his mother enrolled him in due to his interest in "art".