Papadon Washington

Papadon Washington

Every few years, a new champion steps out of nowhere to help carry the blues traditions further into the future. Don Washington arrived right on time with the right tools for the job. Armed with powerful hands and a deep, muscular voice, Papadon is ready to shout the blues like a country preacher.

A few endorsements:

“Don Washington is an exciting young pianist and singer championing the blues piano tradition with flair, talent and soul. He can pound out a rocking boogie-woogie and get down into an intense slow blues, plus his original songs show plenty of writing talent (and a sense of humor). He’s got a strong voice and a warm and comfortable stage personality that can reach audiences easily. His performance at the 2005 Chicago Blues Festival won him a legion of new fans, and left the crowd hollering for more. I can heartily recommend him for any club or blues festival.” , Bruce Iglauer, President, Alligator Records

”One of the most pleasant surprises I had at the 2005 Chicago Blues Festival was meeting and hearing Papadon Washington. It’s great to hear someone not only carrying on the blues piano tradition in such fine fashion, but knowing how to entertain an audience with it too.”- Jim O’Neal, Co-Founder, Living Blues Magazine 

"I don't know where "Papa" Don Washington has been hiding himself but now that I've heard his recording I sure hope I'll be hearing him everywhere. Mr. Washington writes wonderful songs and sings with passion, warmth and depth but most of all Don Washington plays the piano in an exciting, moving and satisfying way, with passion and a groove a mile wide. His piano style is rooted in ass-kicking traditional barrelhouse and at the same time is soaked in gospel and even a touch of funk and Memphis-sounding soul. Highly recommended." -Ann Rabson, Blues Pianist (often seen with Saffire, the Uppity Blues Women)