Odetta - A tribute to the Voice of the Civil Rights Movement

"They were liberation songs", Odetta described her folk and spirituals. "You're walking down life's road, society's foot is on your throat, every which way you turn you cant get from under that foot. And you reach a fork in the road and you can either lie down and die, or insist upon your life."

She had hoped to sing at obama's inauguration, but on December 2,2008 she passed away at age 77.

I will hear her liberation songs on that day; and I know I will not be alone.


(December 31 1930 - December 2 2008) This Spadecaller Video is a tribute to Odetta, her music, and the many gifts that she contributed to the world during her vibrant lifetime. Odetta, the African-American singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter, and human rights activists passed away on Monday. Often referred to as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement," her musical repertoire consists largely of American folk music, blues, jazz, and spirituals. 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.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Odetta
• Tribute
• Folk
• spirituals
• Spadecaller

[randyflats]

Odetta's music & her struggles were an inspiration to all of us. She was never given the credit for all her accomplishments. The world will miss her.

My compliments to the poster/ super great video, I think I saw her facing the sky..memories

[irmaladouce56]

She is taking it to the next level. What a way to go. The things that define you aren't the things you have, but the things you leave behind.

[COLOMBANIPM]

SUPERBE ODETTA 

[ilovemylifesblog]

I posted this video today at a post of mine to honor Odetta's wish to sing at our new President Obama's inauguration. I hope she is joyful today. Thanks again for sharing your talent SpadeCaller.

[blueskiesblue]

Spadecaller, thanks for updating my YouTube mail so I knew to come! (I have dial up, and have to be VERY selective in what I choose to view.) THIS is simply beautiful.

I named my Maltese puppy after "Odette" from Swan Lake, and frankly, didn't know about "Odetta" .. I do now, and have added a new hero to her name. Now, will think of you, and 'Odetta' daily, and remember you in prayer.

God Bless you, a million times. You are passing on the gift of true, worthwhile enlightment.

[VideosTimes2]

This is ABSOLUTELY stunning! Rest well sweet Odetta!

[ilovemylifesblog]

The best tribute of our beloved Odetta on youtube. Great talent that you have. Thank you for sharing.

[TJTele52]

She was a mighty angel indeed and we were better for her being amongst us, no matter how briefly..RIP Odetta God Bless...

[PortmerionChina]

Thank you. RIP Odetta - you were inspirational.

[VeganaExPuta]

I've always loved her. I'm grateful for the day she and my mother became friends. I'm grateful for the TRUE history lessons she was able to teach us that our own schools could not, would not, and still do not. Odetta, you were a BIG light of mine, woman! Peace. Susie

[jogjnr]

She loved me before she even knew me. But then, she loved us all! Blessings to all who loved her too.