Folk/blues icon Odetta is one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century. Touring the world singing folk, blues, Negro spirituals, jazz, work and protest songs, Odetta tells the stories of America's southern experience. Her 1950s and 60s classic recordings of "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands," "Kumbaya," "Goodnight Irene," "Amazing Grace" and "This Little Light of Mine," became folk and spiritual classics throughout the world and inspired an entire generation. Odetta is a pioneer, and a major influence on the careers of Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Judy Collins, Tracy Chapman, Carly Simon, Casandra Wilson and Jewel, to name a few. Among her many achievements, Odetta took part in the march on Selma; sang for the masses at the 1963 March on Washington; played for President Kennedy and his cabinet on the nationally televised Civil Rights program "Dinner with the President"; was appointed an 'Elder' to the 1994 International Women's Conference in Beijing; and was awarded the National Medal of Arts and Humanities in 1999, by President and Mrs. Clinton at the White House.
Odetta performs at Satalla on the eve of the release of Gonna Let It Shine, her latest CD on MC Records.
"Thank you Odetta, for continuing to define and enlighten our load." -Maya Angelou
