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| Deborah Washington |
| I'm often amazed at the lack of information available on recording artists, particularly those that recorded disco. Often, as in the case of Deborah Washington, I can find more information about those behind the artist than the performer themselves. In the case of Washington two of the powers behind her were manager Gary Goetzman, a former child star and successful producer of hit movies (mostly those associated with Jonathon Demme). And producer George Tobin, responsible for hits by Robert Johns ("Sad Eyes" #-1), Tiffany ("I Think We're Alone Now" #-1) and Smokey Robinson ("Being With You" R&B #-1) among countless others. With two powerhouses like that behind her it's no wonder that Washington enjoyed a successful, albeit short, recording career. She first came to our attention with her 1978 album "Any Way You Want It." The album spawned three top ten 12" singles: "Ready Or Not", "Love Shadows/Standing In The Shadows Of Love" and "Take A Chance With Me." Deborah launched a massive campaign to promote the album. It was during her coast to coast club tour that I had the pleasure of meeting her. She was the first disco artist I ever met and I still treasure the autographed photo she gave me. My memories of her visit to Dugan's Bistro was that she was very young (late teens or early twenties) and that she was a very sweet and patient person. I recall that her appearance (to sign autographs) and performance of a few songs was at no charge. Which shows a commitment to a solid career and is perhaps responsible for her initial success. The album made her a bonafide hit that summer and helped the saging sales of her label Ariola Records. With a sure foot in the door a second album was recorded and released in 1979. "Love Awaits" utilized the same musicians and singers, among them Edna Wright and her famous sibling Darlene Love, and Robert John. The quality of this album is as consistent as her first but Ariola somehow dropped the ball in promoting it. One 12" single managed to hit the club charts. "Rock It" was a departure from here previous attempts in that it was more downtempo but was still a smoker. With her contract at Ariola over it seemed that Washington was a goner. However she resurfaced in 1983. A 12" single on the Canadian Street-Level Records attempted to return her to the path she had initially chosen. "Nothing But Heartaches/Nowhere to Run" was a dynamite single but without a major American label it saw only minor club play. Without a recording contract and no real fan base it seems that Deborah decided to hang up her microphone. Since then we have no account of where she went or what she's been up to. I have read that she was a Penn State major and an actress reportedly having appeared on TV in episodes of "Maude," Baretta" and "What's Happening" but I believe that it must be another person with a similar name. Anyone having information on Washington and her whereabouts contact us. We hope she's happy, healthy and still using her gift to enchant people. Thanks Deborah for your talents and your sweetness. |
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