In the next chapter of our series spotlighting the defining works of Jazz Middelheim’s headliners, we turn to the incomparable Dee Dee Bridgewater - a Grammy and Tony Award-winning force of nature whose career embodies jazz’s boundless evolution. Over four decades, Bridgewater has morphed from a daring vocalist into a genre-defying icon, weaving blues, R&B, African traditions, and theatrical flair into her artistry. Ahead of her highly anticipated performance at Jazz Middelheim, here are five pivotal releases that chart her extraordinary journey.

Afro Blue (1974) - (listen here)

Dee Dee Bridgewater (vocals), Cecil Bridgewater (trumpet).

At just 23, Bridgewater announced herself as a prodigious talent with Afro Blue, a debut steeped in jazz tradition yet crackling with youthful audacity. Backed by her then-husband Cecil Bridgewater’s trumpet, she melded gospel passion, soulful swagger, and blues grit into standards like the title track - a declaration of African pride. Her voice, already commanding and nuanced, defied her age, balancing Ella-esque precision with a raw, improvisational edge. This album was not just an introduction but a statement from an artist unafraid to fuse reverence with rebellion.

Live in Paris (1987) - (listen here)

Recorded during her transformative time living in Paris.

After a detour into pop and R&B, Bridgewater reignited her jazz flame with this enchanting live set. Live in Paris confirmed her rebirth as a consummate performer - part storyteller, part virtuoso. Here, scatting becomes a weapon of delight, her voice darting between octaves as she teases the audience in French. Tracks like ‘Cherokee’ morph into playgrounds for improvisation, while her theatrical flair turns every song into a drama. A reminder that jazz, at its core, is a dialogue, and Bridgewater’s greatest collaborator is the crowd.

Dear Ella (1997) - (listen here - full album not available for streaming in Belgium)

Featuring a stellar big band and guest soloists.

Bridgewater made tribute albums for both Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. But on the scale from Holiday to Fitzgerald, she leans more toward the latter. Paying homage to Fitzgerald is no small feat, but this tribute transcends imitation. Dear Ella reframes Fitzgerald’s swing-era classics through a modern lens, infusing the original songs with R&B grooves and stretching them into sultry, slow-burn revelations. Backed by lush big band arrangements, Bridgewater’s voice glides with diamond clarity, yet her improvisational daring proves she’s no mere custodian of tradition. This is Fitzgerald remixed: polished, playful, and utterly contemporary. Unsurprisingly, this album won a Grammy Award, one of the many nominations and honours Bridgewater has received in her career.

Red Earth: A Malian Journey (2007) - (listen here - full album not available for streaming in Belgium)

With Malian luminaries including Baba Sissoko and kora master Toumani Diabaté.

A pilgrimage to Mali reignited Bridgewater’s connection to Africa, and Red Earth is its transcendent fruit. Re-recording her debut’s title track with djembe and kora, she bridges continents, while Nina Simone’s ‘Four Women’ becomes a haunting cry of diaspora resilience. Original compositions like ‘Dee Dee’ blend Bambara lyrics with jazz phrasing, creating a sound both ancient and avant-garde.

Dee Dee’s Feathers (2015) - (listen here)

With Irvin Mayfield (trumpet), the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and guests like Dr. John and Bill Summers.

A love letter to New Orleans, a decade after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Dee Dee’s Feathers swaggers brass and second-line rhythms. These are warm arrangements that capture the atmosphere of a live performance. Throughout her career, Bridgewater has built a name for herself by blending tradition with a desire to push the boundaries of jazz. Dee Dee’s Feathers is a perfect example of this approach — deeply rooted in jazz, yet open to influences from more popular genres.

Catch this icon live at Jazz Middelheim on Saturdat June 7.

Dee Dee Bridgewater’s performance promises a masterclass in versatility - expect soul-stirring ballads, Afrofuturist explorations, and the magnetic stage presence of a true diva. From Memphis to Mali, Broadway to Paris, her journey is proof of jazz’s limitless horizons. Don’t miss the chance to witness a living legend who continues to redefine what jazz can be.