Odetta [1930-2008]

Artist: Odetta

LP: It's a Mighty World
Song: "Reminiscing"
[ listen ]

When the radio alarm woke me up this morning, I learned that legendary folk singer Odetta passed away yesterday at the age of 77. Here's a brief-but-wonderful Odetta clip I found this morning:

Odetta on YouTube:
[ "Water Boy" ]

You can read about Odetta's life and career [here] and there's a New York Times obituary for the influential singer [here]. the beautiful song "Reminiscing" comes from Odetta's 1964 "It's a Mighty World" LP, released just a year after she performed at the March On Washington during the Civil Rights Movement. Here are some press quotes from the back of the LP:

"The focus of the first concert was on Odetta whose mahogany hued
sonorous voice offered what this listener felt was the crowning performance
of the weekend." —New York Times (at the Newport Folk Festival)

"She makes her words understood—and, there is thunder to their
meaning and depth and power and punch...a noble artist."
—New York Herald Tribune

"Voice of many triumphs...an extraordinary instrument." —The Daily Mail

"...As direct and powerful as a blow torch, as deep and resonant as an
old master viol...Odetta goes off to thunderous applause." —Variety

"She stepped back an extra foot from the microphone and
turned loose her two octave voice in full power. It left the
audience stunned." —Miami Herald

"...Unique...a deep full throated voice and her delivery is superb."
—Boston Daily Record

"Odetta is a rare and unusual folk singer." —The Telegram

"If you had to settle for one in a lifetime, this is the one you'd pick...
the best folk singing you're ever going to hear." —Washington Star

Odetta
[December 31, 1930 - December 2, 2008]
We will miss you, Odetta.