Ernestine Irene Anderson - born November 11, 1928, in Houston, TX - was an American jazz and blues singer. In a career spanning more than six decades, she recorded over 30 albums. She was nominated four times for a Grammy Award. She sang at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and at jazz festivals all over the world. Her record labels included Concord Jazz, Concord Records, Mercury Records, and Collectables Records. (Source: Wikipedia)

Ernestine grew up in Seattle, WA, and honed her musical skills among Garfield High School classmates Quincy Jones and Ray Charles. From her small girl Texan-beginnings to the pinnacle of her career standing before the cheers of international crowds, her love for music and her uniquely beautiful and expressive voice propelled her through good and challenging times and allowed her to win the hearts of listeners wherever she traveled.

She was an international artist, yes, but she was always supportive of her hometown. She donated her time and talent to help many nonprofit organizations, including her favorite - the Rotary Boys and Girls Club of Central Seattle - the benefactor of this event.