Biography
Arkansas native Sister Ernestine B. Washington immersed herself in the sanctified gospel sounds of the '20s while primarily performing at Washington Temple C.O.G.I.C., the church and denomination led by her husband. Although the Roberta Martin Singers' restrained Baptist approach influenced her, she possessed a forceful vocal delivery and earned recognition as a vocal shouter reminiscent of Mahalia Jackson. From the late '40s into the '50s, she produced her scarce yet significant recorded works.