E-mail a friendJanuary 25, 2008
Singer-songwriter Odetta, dubbed the "queen of American folk music," reflects on her quiet support of Dr. Martin Luther King and how her music tied into the civil rights movement; she also performs.
Odetta
Odetta
The "Queen of American Folk Music" explains why Dr. King's message of nonviolence resonated with her. (2:33)
Called one of the great treasures of American music, musical activist Odetta has influenced such artists as Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and Joan Baez. Since her '54 debut album, she's toured the world telling stories of America's southern experience in her songs. The Birmingham (AL) native sang at the March on Washington in '63, marched with Dr. King in Selma and protested against U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. In '03, the Library of Congress honored the Grammy-nominated artist with its rare "Living Legend Award."
