Legendary Folk Singer Dies At 77
Save Email Print
Legendary Folk Singer Dies At 77
Odetta, the legendary folk singer who moved audiences and influenced other musicians for decades, has died at 77.
Font Size:

(December 3, 2008)—Odetta, the legendary folk singer whose powerful voice moved audiences and influenced other musicians for a half-century has died of heart disease at the age of 77.

Her manager of 12 years, Doug Yeager, said Odetta died Tuesday at Lenox Hill Hospital, to which she was admitted with kidney failure about three weeks ago.

Despite her failing health, Odetta, who was forced to use a wheelchair, performed sixty 90-minute concerts in the last two years.

"The power would just come out of her like people wouldn't believe," Yeager said.

Odetta rose to prominence in the 1950s and influenced such performers as Harry Belafonte, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.

She had hoped to sing at President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration, Yeager said, although she had not been officially invited to perform.

A memorial service is planned for next month, Yeager said.
More Stories
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Emergency Room Nurse - Join Metroplex Health System in Killeen as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. Metroplex offers a very competitive hourly wage, comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans. A new pay scale went in to effect in October 09! Join Metroplex in extending the healing ministry of Christ.

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com: View More Jobs.