Ledisi Releases New Duet with Gregory Porter Ahead of For Dinah Album

Grammy-winning powerhouse vocalist Ledisi has released her brand-new single, “You Got What It Takes” featuring Gregory Porter. The duet is lifted from her upcoming album For Dinah, a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Dinah Washington, due out October 3 on Candid Records.

Originally a 1960 hit duet between Washington and Brook Benton, “You Got What It Takes” captures the playful, soulful dialogue between two charismatic voices. Ledisi and Porter bring a fresh spark to the classic, blending soul, swing, and timeless charm.

“It was a must for the For Dinah project,” says Ledisi. “I knew Gregory and I would fit perfectly on this song. I wanted to keep that loose, playful energy and mirror some of what Dinah displayed on the original.”

For Dinah

For Dinah is more than a tribute album—it’s Ledisi’s personal homage to a trailblazer who shaped her artistry. Produced by Christian McBride with contributions from Rex Rideout, the record reimagines Washington’s catalog with Ledisi’s soulful flair. Guests include Porter, guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., and pianist Michael King, among others.

The album follows the acclaimed Ledisi Sings Nina, which earned Ledisi her latest Grammy nomination and praise from The New York Times for both honoring Nina Simone and showcasing Ledisi’s singular vocal brilliance.

“For me, Dinah was freedom,” Ledisi explains. “She gave me permission to move, create, and lead on my own terms. Before there was Aretha, there was Dinah.”

For Dinah Tracklist

1. What A Difference A Day Made

2. If I Never Get To Heaven

3. Caravan

4. Let’s Do It

5. You Don’t Know What Love Is (feat. Christian McBride)

6. You’ve Got What It Takes (feat. Gregory Porter)

7. You Go To My Head (feat. Paul Jackson Jr.)

8. The Bitter Earth

North America Tour Dates

Ledisi will support the release of For Dinah with an extensive tour, beginning September 18 and highlighted by an album release show at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on October 3.

• Sept 18 – High Point, NC – High Point Theatre

• Sept 20 – Paradise Island, Bahamas – Bahama Breeze Music Festival

• Sept 27 – Monterey Park, CA – Monterey Jazz Festival 2025

• Oct 2 – Chandler, AZ – Chandler Center For The Arts

• Oct 3 – Los Angeles, CA – Walt Disney Concert Hall [Album Release Show]

• Oct 5 – Davis, CA – Mondavi Center

• Oct 6 – San Francisco, CA – Davies Symphony Hall

• Nov 9 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre

• Nov 11 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre

• Nov 13 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha

• Nov 14 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Showroom At Mystic Lake Casino

• Nov 15 – Rockford, IL – Hard Rock Casino Rockford

• Jan 20–27 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Christian McBride’s World At Sea 2026

Europe Tour Dates

• Oct 9 – London, UK – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

• Oct 10 – Aulnay-sous-Bois, France – Le Nouveau Cap

• Oct 11 – Cébazat, France – Sémaphore

• Oct 13 – Madrid, Spain – Sala Villanos

• Oct 14 – Barcelona, Spain – Sala Apolo

• Oct 15 – Utrecht, Netherlands – TivoliVredenburg

• Oct 16 – Den Haag, Netherlands – PAARD

• Oct 17 – Duivendrecht, Netherlands – Poppodium Q-Factory

• Oct 18 – Hautmont, France – Centre Culturel Maurice Schumann

• Oct 21 – Skellefteå, Sweden – Sara Kulturhus

• Oct 23 – Oslo, Norway – Cosmopolite Scene

• Oct 24 – Malmö, Sweden – Victoriateatern Malmö

• Oct 25 – Zagreb, Croatia – Kino SC

• Jan 17 – Lugano, Switzerland – LAC Lugano Arte E Cultura

From her Grammy win to 14 career nominations, Ledisi has built a reputation for honoring the greats while forging her own path. With For Dinah, she brings the music of Dinah Washington into today’s world—reclaiming her place as a pioneer for female artists navigating an industry still marked by barriers.

“For Dinah is my way of saying her name out loud,” says Ledisi. “She deserves to be celebrated.”