# Abbey Lincoln

> American singer (1930–2010)

**Wikidata**: [Q231071](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q231071)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbey_Lincoln)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/abbey-lincoln

## Summary
Abbey Lincoln was an American singer, songwriter, and actor renowned for her contributions to jazz music and her influential career spanning over five decades. Born in 1930, she became a prominent figure in the jazz genre, known for her distinctive vocal style and her work as a composer and performer. Lincoln's impact extended beyond music into acting and activism, making her a significant cultural figure in the United States.

## Biography
- **Born**: August 6, 1930
- **Died**: August 14, 2010
- **Nationality**: American
- **Known for**: Jazz singing, songwriting, and acting
- **Field(s)**: Music, acting
- **Aliases**: Anna Marie Wooldridge, Anna Wooldridge
- **Occupation(s)**: Singer, songwriter, actor, human

## Contributions
Abbey Lincoln made significant contributions to jazz music as a singer and songwriter. She was associated with several record labels, including Riverside, Candid Records, Capitol Records, and Enja Records. Her work in the jazz genre helped shape its evolution, and she was recognized with awards such as the NEA Jazz Masters, which she received in 1982. Lincoln's influence extended to acting, where she appeared in films and television, further cementing her legacy in the arts.

## FAQs
**What was Abbey Lincoln's real name?**
Abbey Lincoln was born Anna Marie Wooldridge and also went by the name Anna Wooldridge.

**Which record labels was Abbey Lincoln associated with?**
Abbey Lincoln was associated with several record labels, including Riverside, Candid Records, Capitol Records, and Enja Records.

**What awards did Abbey Lincoln receive?**
Abbey Lincoln received the NEA Jazz Masters award in 1982, recognizing her contributions to jazz music.

**What was Abbey Lincoln's impact on jazz music?**
Abbey Lincoln's distinctive vocal style and songwriting significantly influenced the jazz genre, helping to shape its evolution and inspire future generations of musicians.

**Did Abbey Lincoln have a career in acting?**
Yes, Abbey Lincoln had a career in acting, appearing in films and television, which added to her cultural significance beyond music.

## Why They Matter
Abbey Lincoln mattered because she was a pioneering figure in jazz music, known for her unique vocal style and songwriting. Her work helped to define the jazz genre and influenced many musicians who followed. Additionally, her contributions to acting and her cultural impact made her a significant figure in American arts and entertainment. Lincoln's legacy continues to inspire and resonate in the music and acting worlds.

## Notable For
- Being a renowned jazz singer and songwriter
- Receiving the NEA Jazz Masters award in 1982
- Being associated with prominent record labels such as Riverside, Candid Records, Capitol Records, and Enja Records
- Having a career in acting, appearing in films and television
- Being born Anna Marie Wooldridge and also known as Anna Wooldridge
- Making significant contributions to the jazz genre and influencing its evolution

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Abbey Lincoln was born Anna Marie Wooldridge on August 6, 1930. She grew up in the United States and began her career in music, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the jazz genre.

### Music Career
Abbey Lincoln's music career spanned over five decades, during which she became known for her distinctive vocal style and songwriting. She was associated with several record labels, including Riverside, Candid Records, Capitol Records, and Enja Records. These associations helped her reach a wide audience and establish herself as a significant figure in jazz music.

### Awards and Recognition
In 1982, Abbey Lincoln received the NEA Jazz Masters award, which recognized her contributions to jazz music. This award is a prestigious honor in the jazz community and highlights her impact on the genre.

### Acting Career
In addition to her music career, Abbey Lincoln had a career in acting, appearing in films and television. This added to her cultural significance and made her a well-known figure in both the music and acting worlds.

### Legacy and Influence
Abbey Lincoln's legacy continues to inspire and resonate in the music and acting worlds. Her unique vocal style and songwriting have influenced many musicians who followed, and her contributions to jazz music have helped shape its evolution. Lincoln's impact extends beyond music into acting and activism, making her a significant cultural figure in the United States.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
3. BnF authorities
4. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
5. Notable Black American Women
6. BlackPast.org
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. MusicBrainz
9. [Abbey Lincoln music, papers, and audiovisual recordings](https://archives.libraries.rutgers.edu/repositories/6/resources/696)
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. SNAC
12. Find a Grave
13. FemBio database
14. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/15/arts/music/15lincoln.html)
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. Virtual International Authority File
17. BBC Things
18. Quora