Odetta: Difference between revisions
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Odetta was born in [[Birmingham]], but grew up in Los Angeles, California, training as an operatic singer and performing, as a teenager, in the ensemble for the Hollywood Turnabout Puppet Theatre. She continued her studies at the Los Angeles City College and was part of the cast of the national touring production of "Finian's Rainbow" in [[1949]]. While on tour she befriended a group of folk balladeers in San Franscisco. Beginning in [[1950]], Odetta concentrated on performing folk music and toured successfully at venues like the Blue Angel nightclub in New York, and the Hungry I and the Tin Angel in San Francisco. She recorded her first album, ''[[Odetta and Larry]]'', with Larry Mohr at the Tin Angel. It was released by Fantasy Records in [[1954]]. | Odetta was born in [[Birmingham]], but grew up in Los Angeles, California, training as an operatic singer and performing, as a teenager, in the ensemble for the Hollywood Turnabout Puppet Theatre. She continued her studies at the Los Angeles City College and was part of the cast of the national touring production of "Finian's Rainbow" in [[1949]]. While on tour she befriended a group of folk balladeers in San Franscisco. Beginning in [[1950]], Odetta concentrated on performing folk music and toured successfully at venues like the Blue Angel nightclub in New York, and the Hungry I and the Tin Angel in San Francisco. She recorded her first album, ''[[Odetta and Larry]]'', with Larry Mohr at the Tin Angel. It was released by Fantasy Records in [[1954]]. | ||
A solo career followed, with ''[[Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues]]'' (1956) and ''[[At the Gate of Horn]]'' (1957). ''[[Odetta Sings Folk Songs]]'' was one of 1963's best-selling folk albums. | A solo career followed, with ''[[Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues]]'' ([[1956]]) and ''[[At the Gate of Horn]]'' ([[1957]]). ''[[Odetta Sings Folk Songs]]'' was one of [[1963]]'s best-selling folk albums. | ||
In 1961, [[Martin Luther King, Jr]] anointed her "The Queen of American folk music", and poet [[Maya Angelou]] once said, "If only one could be sure that every 50 years a voice and a soul like Odetta's would come along, the centuries would pass so quickly and painlessly we would hardly recognize time." | In [[1961]], [[Martin Luther King, Jr]] anointed her "The Queen of American folk music", and poet [[Maya Angelou]] once said, "If only one could be sure that every 50 years a voice and a soul like Odetta's would come along, the centuries would pass so quickly and painlessly we would hardly recognize time." | ||
Broadening her musical scope, Odetta used band arrangements on several albums rather than playing alone, and released music of a more "jazz" style music on albums like ''[[Odetta and The Blues]]'' (1962) and ''[[Odetta (Folkways album)|Odetta]]'' (1967). | Broadening her musical scope, Odetta used band arrangements on several albums rather than playing alone, and released music of a more "jazz" style music on albums like ''[[Odetta and The Blues]]'' ([[1962]]) and ''[[Odetta (Folkways album)|Odetta]]'' ([[1967]]). | ||
She toured extensively on the folk music circuit from the 1960s to the 1980s, performing with Pete Seeger, Tom Winslow, and many other artists. | She toured extensively on the folk music circuit from the 1960s to the 1980s, performing with Pete Seeger, Tom Winslow, and many other artists. | ||
Odetta only released two new albums in the 20-year period from 1977-1997: ''[[Movin' It On]]'' and ''[[Christmas Spirituals]]'', both in 1987. | Odetta only released two new albums in the 20-year period from 1977-1997: ''[[Movin' It On]]'' and ''[[Christmas Spirituals]]'', both in [[1987]]. | ||
Beginning in 1998, she re-focused her energies on recording and touring and her career took on a major resurgence. The new CD ''To Ella'' (recorded live and dedicated to her old friend Ella Fitzgerald upon hearing of her passing before walking on stage), was released in 1998 on Silverwolf Records, followed by three new releases on M.C. Records, which cemented a partnership with pianist/arranger/producer Seth Farber and record producer Mark Carpentieri, including: ''Blues Everywhere I Go'', a 2000 Grammy Nominated blues/jazz band tribute album to the great lady blues singers of the 1920s and 1930s; ''Looking for a Home'', a 2002 W.C. Handy Award nominated band tribute to Lead Belly; and the 2007 Grammy | Beginning in [[1998]], she re-focused her energies on recording and touring and her career took on a major resurgence. The new CD ''To Ella'' (recorded live and dedicated to her old friend Ella Fitzgerald upon hearing of her passing before walking on stage), was released in 1998 on Silverwolf Records, followed by three new releases on M.C. Records, which cemented a partnership with pianist/arranger/producer Seth Farber and record producer Mark Carpentieri, including: ''Blues Everywhere I Go'', a 2000 Grammy Nominated blues/jazz band tribute album to the great lady blues singers of the 1920s and 1930s; ''Looking for a Home'', a 2002 W.C. Handy Award nominated band tribute to Lead Belly; and the [[2007]] Grammy-nominated ''Gonna Let It Shine'', a live album of gospel and spiritual songs supported by Seth Farber and The Holmes Brothers. These new recordings and an active world touring schedule created the demand for her guest star appearance on fourteen new albums of other artists (between [[1999]] and [[2006]]), and the re-release of forty-five old Odetta albums and compilation appearances. | ||
On September 29, 1999, President Bill Clinton presented Odetta with the National Endowment for the Arts' National Medal of Arts. In 2004, Odetta was honored at the Kennedy Center in Washington with the "Visionary Award" along with a tribute performance by Tracy Chapman. In 2005, the Library of Congress in Washington honored her with its "Living Legend Award". | On [[September 29]], [[1999]], President Bill Clinton presented Odetta with the National Endowment for the Arts' National Medal of Arts. In [[2004]], Odetta was honored at the Kennedy Center in Washington with the "Visionary Award" along with a tribute performance by Tracy Chapman. In [[2005]], the Library of Congress in Washington honored her with its "Living Legend Award". | ||
In 2006, Odetta opened shows for jazz vocalist Madeleine Peyroux, and in 2006 she toured the US, Canada, and Europe accompanied by her pianist, which included being presented by the US Embassy in Latvia as the keynote speaker at a Human Rights conference, and also in a concert in the capital city of [[Riga]]'s historic 1,000 year old Maza Guild Hall. In December, 2006, the Winnipeg Folk Festival honored Odetta with their "Lifetime Achievement Award." In February, 2007, The International Folk Alliance awarded Odetta as "Traditional Folk Artist of the Year." On March 24, 2007 a tribute concert to Odetta was presented in Washington, D.C. at the Rachel Schlessinger Theatre by the World Folk Music Association with live performance and video tributes by Pete Seeger, Madeleine Peyroux, Harry Belafonte, Janis Ian, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Josh White, Jr., Peter, Paul & Mary, Oscar Brand, Tom Rush, Jesse Winchester, Eric Andersen, Wavy Gravy, David Amram, Roger McGuinn, Robert Sims, Carolyn Hester, Donal Leace, Marie Knight, Side By Side, and Laura McGhee. | In [[2006]], Odetta opened shows for jazz vocalist Madeleine Peyroux, and in 2006 she toured the US, Canada, and Europe accompanied by her pianist, which included being presented by the US Embassy in Latvia as the keynote speaker at a Human Rights conference, and also in a concert in the capital city of [[Riga]]'s historic 1,000 year old Maza Guild Hall. In December, 2006, the Winnipeg Folk Festival honored Odetta with their "Lifetime Achievement Award." In February, 2007, The International Folk Alliance awarded Odetta as "Traditional Folk Artist of the Year." On [[March 24]], [[2007]] a tribute concert to Odetta was presented in Washington, D.C. at the Rachel Schlessinger Theatre by the World Folk Music Association with live performance and video tributes by Pete Seeger, Madeleine Peyroux, Harry Belafonte, Janis Ian, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Josh White, Jr., Peter, Paul & Mary, Oscar Brand, Tom Rush, Jesse Winchester, Eric Andersen, Wavy Gravy, David Amram, Roger McGuinn, Robert Sims, Carolyn Hester, Donal Leace, Marie Knight, Side By Side, and Laura McGhee. | ||
In 2007, her album ''Gonna' Let It Shine'' was nominated for a Grammy, and she completed a major Fall Concert Tour in the "Songs of Spirit" show, which included artists from all over the world. She toured around North America in late 2006 and early 2007 to support this CD. | In 2007, her album ''Gonna' Let It Shine'' was nominated for a Grammy, and she completed a major Fall Concert Tour in the "Songs of Spirit" show, which included artists from all over the world. She toured around North America in late 2006 and early 2007 to support this CD. | ||
On January 21, 2008, Odetta was the Keynote Speaker at San Diego's Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration, followed by concert performances in San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, and Mill Valley, in addition to being the sole guest for the evening on PBS-TV's "Tavis Smiley Show." | On [[January 21]], [[2008]], Odetta was the Keynote Speaker at San Diego's Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration, followed by concert performances in San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, and Mill Valley, in addition to being the sole guest for the evening on PBS-TV's "Tavis Smiley Show." | ||
In 2008, at the age of 77, she launched another national tour, with concerts in Albany, New York and other cities, singing strongly and confidently from a wheelchair. | In 2008, at the age of 77, she launched another national tour, with concerts in Albany, New York and other cities, singing strongly and confidently from a wheelchair. | ||
In November 2008, Odetta's health began to decline and she began receiving treatment at [[Lenox Hill Hospital]] in New York. She was slated to perform at Barack Obama's inauguration on January 20, 2009. | In November 2008, Odetta's health began to decline and she began receiving treatment at [[Lenox Hill Hospital]] in New York. She was slated to perform at Barack Obama's inauguration on [[January 20]], [[2009]]. | ||
On December | On December 2, 2008, Odetta died from heart disease in New York City. She was 77 years of age. | ||
==Discography== | ==Discography== | ||
Revision as of 11:03, 3 December 2008
Odetta Holmes (born December 31, 1930 in Birmingham - died December 2, 2008 in New York, New York) was a folk singer, songwriter, guitarist, actress,, and human rights activist, often referred to as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement." An important figure in the American folk music revival of the 1950s and '60s, she was a formative influence on dozens of artists, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Janis Joplin.
Biography
Odetta was born in Birmingham, but grew up in Los Angeles, California, training as an operatic singer and performing, as a teenager, in the ensemble for the Hollywood Turnabout Puppet Theatre. She continued her studies at the Los Angeles City College and was part of the cast of the national touring production of "Finian's Rainbow" in 1949. While on tour she befriended a group of folk balladeers in San Franscisco. Beginning in 1950, Odetta concentrated on performing folk music and toured successfully at venues like the Blue Angel nightclub in New York, and the Hungry I and the Tin Angel in San Francisco. She recorded her first album, Odetta and Larry, with Larry Mohr at the Tin Angel. It was released by Fantasy Records in 1954.
A solo career followed, with Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues (1956) and At the Gate of Horn (1957). Odetta Sings Folk Songs was one of 1963's best-selling folk albums.
In 1961, Martin Luther King, Jr anointed her "The Queen of American folk music", and poet Maya Angelou once said, "If only one could be sure that every 50 years a voice and a soul like Odetta's would come along, the centuries would pass so quickly and painlessly we would hardly recognize time."
Broadening her musical scope, Odetta used band arrangements on several albums rather than playing alone, and released music of a more "jazz" style music on albums like Odetta and The Blues (1962) and Odetta (1967).
She toured extensively on the folk music circuit from the 1960s to the 1980s, performing with Pete Seeger, Tom Winslow, and many other artists.
Odetta only released two new albums in the 20-year period from 1977-1997: Movin' It On and Christmas Spirituals, both in 1987.
Beginning in 1998, she re-focused her energies on recording and touring and her career took on a major resurgence. The new CD To Ella (recorded live and dedicated to her old friend Ella Fitzgerald upon hearing of her passing before walking on stage), was released in 1998 on Silverwolf Records, followed by three new releases on M.C. Records, which cemented a partnership with pianist/arranger/producer Seth Farber and record producer Mark Carpentieri, including: Blues Everywhere I Go, a 2000 Grammy Nominated blues/jazz band tribute album to the great lady blues singers of the 1920s and 1930s; Looking for a Home, a 2002 W.C. Handy Award nominated band tribute to Lead Belly; and the 2007 Grammy-nominated Gonna Let It Shine, a live album of gospel and spiritual songs supported by Seth Farber and The Holmes Brothers. These new recordings and an active world touring schedule created the demand for her guest star appearance on fourteen new albums of other artists (between 1999 and 2006), and the re-release of forty-five old Odetta albums and compilation appearances.
On September 29, 1999, President Bill Clinton presented Odetta with the National Endowment for the Arts' National Medal of Arts. In 2004, Odetta was honored at the Kennedy Center in Washington with the "Visionary Award" along with a tribute performance by Tracy Chapman. In 2005, the Library of Congress in Washington honored her with its "Living Legend Award".
In 2006, Odetta opened shows for jazz vocalist Madeleine Peyroux, and in 2006 she toured the US, Canada, and Europe accompanied by her pianist, which included being presented by the US Embassy in Latvia as the keynote speaker at a Human Rights conference, and also in a concert in the capital city of Riga's historic 1,000 year old Maza Guild Hall. In December, 2006, the Winnipeg Folk Festival honored Odetta with their "Lifetime Achievement Award." In February, 2007, The International Folk Alliance awarded Odetta as "Traditional Folk Artist of the Year." On March 24, 2007 a tribute concert to Odetta was presented in Washington, D.C. at the Rachel Schlessinger Theatre by the World Folk Music Association with live performance and video tributes by Pete Seeger, Madeleine Peyroux, Harry Belafonte, Janis Ian, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Josh White, Jr., Peter, Paul & Mary, Oscar Brand, Tom Rush, Jesse Winchester, Eric Andersen, Wavy Gravy, David Amram, Roger McGuinn, Robert Sims, Carolyn Hester, Donal Leace, Marie Knight, Side By Side, and Laura McGhee.
In 2007, her album Gonna' Let It Shine was nominated for a Grammy, and she completed a major Fall Concert Tour in the "Songs of Spirit" show, which included artists from all over the world. She toured around North America in late 2006 and early 2007 to support this CD.
On January 21, 2008, Odetta was the Keynote Speaker at San Diego's Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration, followed by concert performances in San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, and Mill Valley, in addition to being the sole guest for the evening on PBS-TV's "Tavis Smiley Show."
In 2008, at the age of 77, she launched another national tour, with concerts in Albany, New York and other cities, singing strongly and confidently from a wheelchair.
In November 2008, Odetta's health began to decline and she began receiving treatment at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. She was slated to perform at Barack Obama's inauguration on January 20, 2009.
On December 2, 2008, Odetta died from heart disease in New York City. She was 77 years of age.
Discography
- 1954 The Tin Angel (with Larry Mohr). Fantasy Records
- 1956 Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues
- 1957 At the Gate of Horn
- 1959 My Eyes Have Seen
- 1960 Ballad For Americans and Other American Ballads
- 1960 Odetta at Carnegie Hall (live)
- 1960 Christmas Spirituals
- 1962 Odetta and The Blues]'
- 1962 Sometimes I Feel Like Cryin'
- 1962 Odetta At Town Hall (live)
- 1963 One Grain of Sand
- 1963 Odetta Sings Folk Songs
- 1964 It's a Mighty World
- 1964 Odetta Sings of Many Things
- 1965 Odetta Sings Dylan
- 1966 Odetta in Japan (live)
- 1967 Odetta. Folkways
- 1968 Odetta Sings the Blues
- 1970 Odetta Sings
- 1976 Odetta at the Best of Harlem (live)
- 1987 Movin' It On
- 1998 To Ella (live, also released as Odetta & American Folk Pioneer) Silverwolf
- 1999 Blues Everywhere I Go
- 2001 Looking For a Home
- 2002 Women in (E)motion
- 2005 Gonna Let It Shine
References
- "Odetta." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 3 Dec 2008, 10:58 UTC. 3 Dec 2008 [1]
- Odetta biography, 1956: back cover of "Sings Ballads and Blues"
- Folk Alley radio - about Odetta
- Maya Angelou, Concerted Efforts.
- Concerted Efforts website Odetta's Itinerary for 2006-2007 Tour web page. Accessed July 21, 2008.
- Lark Street BID official website Monday Nights in the Park Concert Series web page. Accessed July 21, 2008.
- Malachowsky, David, "A frail Odetta is strong, sure, confident, Albany Times-Union, found at Review on Times Union website. Accessed July 23, 2008.
- MC Records website. Accessed July 23, 2008.
- Odetta- Bourgeois Blues (2006). Accessed July 23, 2008.
- Odetta Live in concert 2005, "Bourgeois Blues". Accessed July 23, 2008.
- Guardian (UK) article 01 December 2008
- International Herald Tribune, 3 December 2008. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/03/arts/03odetta.php
- Janisjoplin.net - page about Odetta's influence on Janis Joplin
- Playboy interview with Bob Dylan, March 1978
- Loder, Kurt (1983). "Joan Baez: The Rolling Stone Interview". Rolling Stone 4/14/83 (issue # 393)