Odetta 1930 – 2008

Biography

Odetta was born on December 31, 1930, in Birmingham, Alabama, during a transformative period in American history. She would go on to become a significant figure in American music, building a career that spanned decades and touched multiple musical traditions and audiences across the nation.

Throughout her life, Odetta worked as a singer, actress, and folk musician, dedicating herself to her craft with passion and commitment. Her work reflected the rich cultural heritage of American music and reached people through various performance venues and recordings over the course of her career.

On December 2, 2008, Odetta passed away in New York City. She was honored with burial at Harlem Meer in Manhattan, a final resting place that reflects the significance of her life and legacy in American culture. Her contributions to music and performance remain part of the artistic heritage she shared with audiences throughout her lifetime.