- Born
- Died
- Birth nameOdetta Holmes
- Nickname
- The First Lady of the Folk Song
- Odetta was born on December 31, 1930 in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. She was an actress, known for Everything Must Go (2010), Mudbound (2017) and Sanctuary (1961). She was married to Louisiana Red, Don Gordon and Gary Shead. She died on December 2, 2008 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA.
- SpousesLouisiana Red(1977 - December 2, 2008) (her death)Don Gordon(1959 - ?) (divorced)Gary Shead (divorced)
- Internationally known folk singer.
- Toured nationally with the musical "Finian's Rainbow" in 1949 before focusing on folksinging in the 1950s. She eventually became a prime act for such clubs as the Blue Angel, hungry i and Tin Angel in such cities as New York and San Francisco.
- Was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts' National Medal of Arts by President Clinton in 1999. In addition, she was honored at the Kennedy Center with the "Visionary Award" along with a tribute performance by singer Tracy Chapman. In 2005, the Library of Congress honored her with its "Living Legend Award". In December, 2006, the Winnipeg Folk Festival honored her with their "Lifetime Achievement Award," and in February, 2007, The International Folk Alliance selected her as "Traditional Folk Artist of the Year.".
- Was planning to perform at President Obama's historic inauguration at the time of her death.
- She was awarded the American National Medal of the Arts in 1999 by the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington D.C.
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