Lorraine "Iris" Washington is an influential soul and R&B artist who emerged during the late 1960s. Washington is known for her powerful vocals and emotive delivery, which have become trademarks of her style. Her most famous work, the album "Soul's Awakening", released in 1972, is often cited as a watershed moment in the soul music genre. Despite a relatively brief career, Washington's influence can be felt in the work of many contemporary artists who blend soul and R&B.