Odetta - Battle Hymn Of The Republic

her rendition of the popular american abolitionist song 'Battle Hymn Of The Republic', from the album Best Of The Vanguard Years.


Odetta is one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century. By combining the power and grace of an opera singer with the earthiness of a blues singer and the conviction of a folk singer, Odetta became a commanding, stirring singer unlike any other.


Odetta released her first album, Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues, in 1956. This is some two years before the beginning of the folk revival with which she is usually associated. The power of her singing seems to connect her to an earlier folk music, more elemental and raw than her late-50s and early-60s peers. Unlike the Highwaymen or other popular interrupters of classic folk songs, Odetta seems closer in both approach and presentation to Leadbelly. Her interest in folk music appeared to be less of a personal "revival" or awakening, than a continuation of a living tradition. She was referred to as the "female Leadbelly."

Bob Dylan was major inspired by Odetta - - in 1956 her album, "ODETTA Sings Ballads & Blues," inspired him to trade in his electric guitar for a Gibson acoustic guitar,and got him into folk .

Category:

Music

Tags:

• odetta
• battle
• hymn
• of
• the
• republic
• abolitionist
• soul
• folk

[bennyfifty]

This is the definitive version of the song...

[siebentau]

Her voice scares me to death - it's so deep, so rich, so everything. Unbelievably moving.

[Miroshinen]

@abaddon7878925 Most likely, though in reality, I listen to this song to relax, and seeing people talking about about a bunch of conspiracy bullshit pisses me off. And the only organization I belong to is a volunteer fire department.

[Miroshinen]

@jellywillreturn Same here brony.

[ShelbySPB]

Some of Julia Ward Howe's lyrics are very awkward to sing. Most performers avoid the difficult stanzas, so it's rare to hear the entire song. No problem for Odetta. A consequential American life. RIP.

[esferanavidad]

Best version ever

[EvansDrumsRock]

She was born to sing this beautiful hymm. What a powerful voice so rich with emotion. The best version I have ever heard.

[b1warwick]

One person has no soul.

[heartfire451]

I love the deep spirituality of this song. So much meaning in every line of lyrics. No body is better than Odetta for this song either. You can't tell me that her voice is not god given. Most modern pop singers could practice for 2000 years and not get close to the quality of voice she has.

[curlygirlmom]

I was looking up the lyrics to "All The Pretty Little Horses" and found my way here. WHOA!! I had never heard of Odetta before. You can bet that after listening to her, I will be seeking out more of her works. What a gift she was given in her voice!! I'm in awe.

[ShadowOfTheZone]

@jellywillreturn

Mission Accomplished?

[aussiechickdiana]

I never knew what a beautiful song this was until now...

Many thanks, diana