Odetta is dead at 77

The only time I heard her sing live was at the memorial service for the writer, James Baldwin, in New York City.  During the service Odetta climbed into the pulpit.  She climbed slowly, as if she really didn't want to go there.  She raised her hands, closed her eyes and sang a medley of songs.  I remember "Amazing Grace" and "Motherless Child".   She just picked a note out of the air and filled that huge building by herself.  I'd never seen or heard someone cry so copiously, but be able to sing at the same time.  Somehow, what should be coming out, was coming out and what should be going in, was going in.  Her singing that morning has stayed with me.  It was about the most moving music I've ever heard. -- Hugo Munday

Comments

[Shelby on December 03, 2008 at 10:48 AM]

Thank you for that story Hugo. What a voice! It will not be soon forgotten.