Odetta
USA, 1954–2008
Singer and guitarist, the 'voice of the civil rights movement'. Her powerful folk blues rooted in the African-American tradition brought it to concert halls and college campuses.
MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Odetta and 3 artists Odetta influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced Odetta?
- Lead Belly — Odetta's core repertoire — work songs, spirituals, 'Take This Hammer' — came directly from Lead Belly's songbook.
Which artists did Odetta influence?
- Janis Joplin — Odetta was Joplin's primary folk-blues model at the start of her career.
- Bob Dylan — Odetta's recording made Dylan trade his electric guitar for an acoustic on the spot.
- Joan Baez — Odetta was the direct inspiration for Baez when she was starting out.