This week on From the Vault we pay tribute to legendary singer Odetta who died on December 2, 2008. In her over 60 years of songwriting and performing, Pacifica Radio Archives is fortunate to have preserved 2 wonderful recordings. First we have a conversation with Odetta and WBAI producer Celestine Ware from 1971 in which we get a first hand look into the spirit of a woman who has pioneered an essential body of work in American Roots and African American traditional and blues music. Next we'll hear a rare live Odetta performance recorded at a Pacifica benefit concert with Pete Seeger, Joan Baez and others. Finally we'll hear from Bernice Johnson Reagon of the Freedom Singers and Sweet Honey in the Rock from the Pacifica Archive's National Broadcast in November 2008, commenting on Odetta's influence on her music.
From the Vault is presented as part of the Pacifica Radio Archives Preservation and Access Project.
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