Odetta, Voice of Civil Rights Movement, Dies at 77
When I started working at Union Settlement Association in East Harlem it was the organization's centennial year. We had all kinds of events and celebrations, including an exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York that featured photographs by Helen Levitt and Bruce Davidson, who took pictures of East Harlem during the 1940s and 1960s respectively. We also got a grant for David Lee to take photos of present-day East Harlem.
At the final centennial event, we had several performers, including Johnny Colon and Odetta. Before the concert, Odetta and David were chatting, and when they had finished, she turned to us and said, "Do you know who that is? That's Bill Lee's son." Nearly everyone else in the world would have said "Spike Lee's brother." She went on to tell us that Bill Lee had played bass for her, but had to quit touring so he could go home and take care of his boys.
"They turned out OK," I joked. Yes, she said, they did.
| New York City | Obituaries | Odetta
I had a folk radio show at WESU-FM, Middletown, CT, 88.1 on your FM dial, back in the late 70's. I would always play at least one Odetta song every show. She had the most magnificent, rich voice, that was strong enough for a "shout and holler" song, and could hold notes forever, so effortlessly. And she could also hit very soft, high notes. I used to close my eyes and just listen.
I had the chance to meet her some 25 years ago at a concert. Very sweet woman. Sad to see her go.
Comment #1 :: link :: December 5, 2008 9:00 PMMike - You told us an amazing story when you had the benefit about Odetta singing a lonnng, echoing note, and turning around and leaving the room while the note still resonated in the air. That's one of my main memories of Odetta, and it isn't even mine!
Comment #2 :: link :: December 9, 2008 8:42 PM
