# Odetta

> American singer (1930–2008)

**Wikidata**: [Q237633](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q237633)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odetta)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/odetta

## Summary
Odetta was an American singer (1930–2008) known for her contributions to traditional folk music, jazz blues, and country blues. She was a recording artist, songwriter, and guitarist who gained recognition for her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics. Odetta received the National Medal of Arts and was inducted into the Library of Congress Living Legends, cementing her legacy as a pivotal figure in American music.

## Biography
- Born: December 31, 1930
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Los Angeles City College
- Known for: Pioneering traditional folk music and jazz blues with socially conscious lyrics
- Employer(s): RCA Records, Fantasy Records
- Field(s): Music, Performance, Songwriting

## Contributions
Odetta was a recording artist who released albums under RCA Records and Fantasy Records, contributing to genres including traditional folk music, jazz blues, and country blues. She was a songwriter and guitarist, known for her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics. Odetta received the National Medal of Arts in 2008 and was inducted into the Library of Congress Living Legends in 2000, recognizing her significant contributions to American music.

## FAQs
**What genres of music did Odetta perform?**
Odetta performed in traditional folk music, jazz blues, and country blues, blending these genres with socially conscious lyrics.

**Where did Odetta study?**
Odetta attended Los Angeles City College, where she honed her musical skills.

**Which record labels did Odetta work with?**
Odetta worked with RCA Records and Fantasy Records, releasing her music on these labels.

**What awards did Odetta receive?**
Odetta received the National Medal of Arts in 2008 and was inducted into the Library of Congress Living Legends in 2000.

**What was Odetta's primary instrument?**
Odetta was a guitarist and songwriter, known for her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics.

## Why They Matter
Odetta mattered as a pioneering figure in traditional folk music, jazz blues, and country blues, whose socially conscious lyrics and powerful voice shaped American music. Her work with RCA Records and Fantasy Records helped popularize these genres, influencing generations of musicians. Odetta's awards, including the National Medal of Arts and Library of Congress Living Legends, recognize her lasting impact on the music industry. Without her contributions, the evolution of these genres and the recognition of socially conscious music would have been significantly different.

## Notable For
- Pioneering traditional folk music and jazz blues with socially conscious lyrics
- Recording artist for RCA Records and Fantasy Records
- Songwriter and guitarist known for her powerful voice
- Recipient of the National Medal of Arts (2008)
- Inducted into the Library of Congress Living Legends (2000)
- Influential figure in American music, shaping genres and social commentary

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Odetta was born on December 31, 1930, in Los Angeles, California. She attended Los Angeles City College, where she studied music and developed her skills as a guitarist and songwriter. Her early education laid the foundation for her future career in music.

### Musical Career and Genres
Odetta performed in traditional folk music, jazz blues, and country blues, blending these genres with socially conscious lyrics. She was a recording artist, releasing albums under RCA Records and Fantasy Records, which helped popularize these genres. Her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics made her a standout performer in the music industry.

### Awards and Recognition
Odetta received the National Medal of Arts in 2008, recognizing her significant contributions to American music. She was also inducted into the Library of Congress Living Legends in 2000, further cementing her legacy as a pivotal figure in the music industry. These awards highlight her lasting impact on the field.

### Legacy and Influence
Odetta's work with RCA Records and Fantasy Records influenced generations of musicians, shaping the evolution of traditional folk music, jazz blues, and country blues. Her socially conscious lyrics and powerful voice continue to inspire artists today. Odetta's legacy ensures that her contributions remain relevant in the music industry.

## References

1. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Deutsche Synchronkartei
4. [Find a Grave](https://fr.findagrave.com/memorial/31922089/odetta-holmes)
5. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
6. [Source](https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/odetta)
7. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/about/awards-and-honors/living-legends/odetta-holmes/)
8. Notable Black American Women
9. BlackPast.org
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. MusicBrainz
12. BnF authorities
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. [Source](https://archives.nypl.org/scm/21107)
15. IMDb
16. SNAC
17. Find a Grave
18. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/arts/music/03odetta.html)
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. [Source](https://www.sfcv.org/articles/review/new-biography-odetta-reveals-difficult-life-well-sung)
21. [Source](http://archives.library.yorku.ca/files/original/httppilibraryyorkucadspacebitstreamhandle103152968program1970_171c53eed5.pdfsequence=1)
22. CONOR.SI
23. BBC Things
24. Genius API
25. Quora
26. Golden