[5] Washington came from a large family of musicians, including his brothers Reg (Hammond B3) and Dickie (drums).
[7] Washington played in various coffeehouses while also working as a railroad porter and later at Fort Erie Race Track.
Following a recovery Washington played with saxophonist Freddie Purser for many years during the 1970s and 1980s at the Windsor and Royal taverns in Hamilton.
In addition to his own albums, Washington appeared on recordings by Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Joni Mitchell and Gordon Lightfoot.
He had also been a regular performer at many Canadian folk and blues festivals, several of which have named awards in his honour.
His fellow musicians ultimately arranged a living trust starting with a tribute concert at the Tivoli Theatre in Hamilton.