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Who is Odetta?
Latest Updates
Update at: May 6, 2026Odetta (Odetta Holmes) – Public Profile
Overview
Odetta Holmes (December 31, 1930 – December 2, 2008) was an influential American folk singer known for a powerful contralto voice and a repertoire rooted in spirituals, blues, and traditional ballads. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, she rose to prominence during the folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s, becoming a central figure in shaping modern folk music and Civil Rights era storytelling through song.
Her expressive performances and uncompromising social messages helped inspire later generations of artists, including Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.
Career highlights
- Helped popularize traditional songs with a dynamic stage presence and a strong, emotionally charged voice.
- Key recordings include Odetta Sings Ballads & Blues (1956) and Odetta Sings Spirituals (1962), which remain influential in folk and world music circles.
- Was a prominent performer at major venues and events, including the Newport Folk Festival and Carnegie Hall, contributing to the era’s cultural dialogue on race and justice.
Selected discography
- Odetta Sings Ballads & Blues (1956) – Tradition Records
- Odetta Sings Spirituals (1962) – Verve/Folkways era releases and later reissues
Legacy and influence
Odetta’s resonant voice and intimate delivery of spirituals and folk songs helped shape the sound of American folk music and provided a bridge between traditional music and contemporary social commentary. Her work influenced a generation of artists and contributed to the cultural momentum of the 1960s civil rights movement.
News and current status
Odetta passed away in 2008. Since then, interest in her catalog has persisted through reissues, compilations, and tributes. There are no active projects authored by Odetta herself, but her legacy continues through archival releases and ongoing homage by other artists.
Public social media
There are no official public social media accounts operated by Odetta, as she is deceased. Fan pages and archival channels exist on various platforms, preserving performances and career milestones. For primary audio and video, consult reputable archives and label-backed collections.
Further information
- Britannica – Odetta biography
- Library of Congress – Archival recordings and materials
- Scholarly and music-history resources on the folk revival and civil rights era
Which dasha periods did Odetta live through?
VIMSHOTTARIVimshottari dasha periods recorded for Odetta, in order.
What do Odetta's numerology numbers say?
Odetta's core numbers are Destiny 3, Soul Urge 8, Personality 5, Karmic Debt 19.
Chaldean Destiny 3 indicates creative expression and communication. It supports writing, speaking, marketing, media, and artistic visibility.
Chaldean Soul 8 desires achievement and influence. It seeks measurable success, respect, and mastery over material outcomes.
Chaldean Personality 5 appears energetic, adaptable, and adventurous. Others often see curiosity, movement, and flexibility.
Chaldean Karmic Debt 19 indicates lessons of independence with respect for others. It asks balanced leadership—stand strong, but do not isolate or dominate.
Life Events & Planetary Transits
Key events mapped against the active Dasha and planetary transits at the time.
