First Listen: Zinga Washington returns with “Run Around Love”

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    (May 16, 2018) In the early 1980s, Atlanta-based Zinga Washington played clubs with the likes of The S.O.S. Band and caught the attention of the late Donnie Linton, founder and manager of Crown Heights Affair. Signed in ’82 to Linton’s short-lived CBS subsidiary My Disc Records, Washington quickly caught the ears of New York club-goers via a surprisingly sultry and smooth cover of none other than the Queen of Soul’s “Respect.” Although follow-up singles like the funky “Check Me Out” and passionate ballad “I’m Not Strong Enough” failed to chart, they further established her as a unique soulstress whose records collectors have continued to spin in the decades since.

    (May 16, 2018) In the early 1980s, Atlanta-based Zinga Washington played clubs with the likes of The S.O.S. Band and caught the attention of the late Donnie Linton, founder and manager of Crown Heights Affair. Signed in ’82 to Linton’s short-lived CBS subsidiary My Disc Records, Washington quickly caught the ears of New York club-goers via a surprisingly sultry and smooth cover of none other than the Queen of Soul’s “Respect.” Although follow-up singles like the funky “Check Me Out” and passionate ballad “I’m Not Strong Enough” failed to chart, they further established her as a unique soulstress whose records collectors have continued to spin in the decades since.

    30 years on, Washington has lost none of her vocal zeal, as evidenced by her new single on Jamstone Records, “Run Around Love.” An adaptation of an Ollie Brown-penned jam first recorded by Gloria Gaynor, the catchy tune and its riveting arrangement mix old-school funkiness with tints of modern production behind her sassy tones and alluring phrasing. It’s a welcome return after a long hiatus from a colorful career in recording and touring that includes time as one of Joe Tex’s Texette A-Go-Go-Girls. Take a First Listen to “Run Around Love” below and let us know what you think!

    By Justin Kantor