Remembering Odetta

December 4, 2008

Give’em Hell, But Give ‘Em Heaven

These are the words I remember Odetta telling me as I walked out of her dressing room 2 years ago after opening for her at the Hilltown Folk Music Festival in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts.

odetta monica 300x225 Remembering Odetta

She was graceful, an obvious pro at wooing the crowd, and precise with her voice.

I enjoyed her.  I realized she was also still one of our times best kept secrets.  For everyone thay knew of her, there are still many more who do not even know who she was.  Not having  quite the Peter Paul And Mary or the Sweet Honey In The Rock notoriety, she was nonetheless on the front lines pushing for change and EVOLUTION in the 60s.

Something I didn’t even know

One of my favorite movies in the whole wide world…wait for it….is “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman”.  Is you the one Jimmy, Miss Jane would ask.  Ernest Gaines’ novel has always held a special place in my heart.

70020765 Remembering OdettaI recently watched the movie again made into a special 25 year anniversary edition.  And guess who was in it?  No other than Odetta.  In the film she plays Big Shirley…I believe…forgive me if I’m wrong.  In the film she is the protector of MIss Jane as a youth after Reconstruction begins.  And protect she did, taking out several Night Riders before falling herself.

I did not recognize her at all!You see, I met Odetta in the very deep winter of her life.  Recovering from a hip replacement/surgery when I met her, Odetta reminded me very much of the elders in my life now, hanging on with every breath.


granting permission to be photographed before the concert 300x225 Remembering Odetta Odetta, however, never seemed to be searching for a breath at all.  She was vibrant, colorful, and fiery.  She instructed the audience to take all the pictures they wanted before she started her performance in Massachusetts.  She held a long pose…almost as if mocking us.  And then she told us to back off..the master was about to work.

I loved that about her.  She, like so many other women artists, inspire me to keep going and remember that this is truly a life long journey that will grow with me as I grow. Music is never finite and so the music of Odetta, her legacy, and her life will live on.


Posted by Monica | Filed Under Current Events, Monica Dillon Music Blog 

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