In honor of Black History Month, we’ve added another activist-entertainer to our files: Odetta, the folk singer who came to fame in the 1960s for her powerful voice in protest songs.
Odetta died in late 2008 — her heart gave out on December 2nd. She was looking forward to singing at the inaugural celebration for incoming President Barack Obama, but didn’t make it. Back in 1963 she sang for President John F. Kennedy on a televised special, Dinner With The President.
We’ve added Odetta to our Who2 list of Black History Biographies.
And here’s a video of Odetta with country music star Johnny Cash.