Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 04:59 AM

death and bodies of water, crossing over

About 4 weeks after my 23 year old daughter passed away (sudden illness) I had a dream (very real) of her. She was standing on the opposite side of small stream from me, chattering excitedly about being able to finish her degree "here" "I can do my last courses here, Mom." In the dream I asked "where is here?"

She smiled a kind of "I know something you don't know" little smile and put her palm against front of my shoulder. Slight pressure to stop me crossing the stream, warning me not to ask questions. I awoke immediately and fully and could still feel the pressure of her hand on my shoulder for something like 10 minutes after.

Another later dream of her involved same stream... She was telling me exciting stuff, sharing the way she used to do, but the water again was between us.

So yeah I believe in the water and crossing over thing.

---

Odetta died December 2, 2008. Please continue this discussion in the obituary thread here (click).
May she rest in peace.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 09:55 PM

I agree about the consideration of the circumstances of Odetta's health right now, in relation to the words, but would also like to add there are many cultures which involve death and bodies of water, crossing over and otherwise. I think it is a widely, maybe even universal symbol of such momentous changes. Still, it is a well-written song and I am glad you shared it with us. Hope we can hear it, too.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Azizi
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 08:25 PM

GUEST,Stephen Alcorn, thanks for posting the lyrics to your song about Odetta. I'd also love to hear it.

Dtephen, for what it's worth, I'd like to call your attention to the fact that crossing bodies of water in African traditions often symbolizes moving from one plane of existence to another. Given that abd the circumstances of Odetta's health, you may want to consider revising the word in your chorus that rhymes with "me" to "liberty" or some other word.

I hope that you receive this comment in the spirit of good will that I wrote it. If you were a member of Mudcat, I would have sent you a private message and not posted this on the public thread. But since you posted your lyrics as a guest, and since I feel strongly about the line and feel good overall about your song, I thought I would take a chance and make this comment anyway.

Best wishes,

Azizi

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 07:43 PM

THAT is outstanding! I hope there is some way to make sure she hears it! Very well done and thanks for sharing it with us. Do you have an mp3 or youtube video of it so we may hear the tune, also?

Thanks, again!

kat

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,Stephen Alcorn
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 02:40 PM

Oh Odetta, sing for me
Take me across that deep blue sea
Back to the Garden whence we came
Back to the spring of your sweet refrain
"All the way to freedom land...
All the way to freedom land"
Across the skies and back through time
Back to the cradle of humankind

Oh Odetta, sing for me
Take me across that deep blue sea

She¹s a force of nature, second to none
Earth, wind and fire rolled into one
Rolling thunder across the sky
Sweet Black Angel from on high
Mighty river crisscrossin' our land
Inviting everyone to stand hand-in-hand
To gather 'round and sing a song
Of hope and redemption--it won¹t be long

Oh Odetta, sing for me
Take me across that deep blue sea

You can trace her song to the heart of the South
One New Year¹s Eve and the cry from a mouth
Of a big baby girl, strong and sweet
To a tear of joy on a Mama¹s cheek
What¹s in a name? Father Time do tell
So her folks made sure to choose a name well
The name Odetta, once akin to melody,
Foretold a future--a destiny

Oh Odetta, sing for me
Take me across that deep blue sea

Odetta, she could sing before she could talk
Odetta, she could dance before she could walk
The gift of music flows through her veins
And bursts at the seams like a runaway train
Classically trained right from the start
Along came the music that stole her heart
Music of the people, music of the land
Pure and simple--noble and grand

Oh Odetta, sing for me
Take me across that deep blue sea

Straight from the "Bam" she moved out to L.A.
Then it was on to the 'Frisco Bay
She joined a theater, and started to sing
Then picked up a guitar and let it ring
Her Fate was sealed when she was still young
A folk musician she would become
To souls of the past she¹d lend her voice
May their spirits arise--and may they rejoice

Oh Odetta, sing for me
Take me across that deep blue sea

With an Afro like a halo, she could be seen
All decked out like an African Queen
And just about the time she was being discovered
The glory of her people was recovered
People flocked in to catch the new sound
As it traveled by train from town to town
Guided by a spirit that beamed a light
Black Is Beautiful--Right Is Might

Oh Odetta, sing for me
Take me across that deep blue sea

Arriving in the Village, she was given the keys
And greeted with bows on bended knees
Within weeks she was proclaimed
The Queen of Folk, and to this day she remains
The Mother Hen of folk musicians
The guardian angel of a sacred tradition
Casting her spell both day and night
Bridging the gap between black and white

Oh Odetta, sing for me
Take me across that deep blue sea

One fine hour back in '63
Odetta sang her famous Freedom Trilogy
By her side stood Martin Luther King
His "I Have A Dream" speech about to take wing
And to the whole world she sang with pride
Of freedom sought and freedom denied
As centuries of trials, troubles and tribulations
Gave rise to the dream of a... United Nation!

Oh Odetta, sing for me
Take me across that deep blue sea

Oh Odetta, sing for me
Take me across that deep blue sea
Back to the Garden whence we came
Back to the spring of your sweet refrain
"All the way to freedom land...
All the way to freedom land"
Across the skies and back through time
Back to the cradle of Humankind
...Humankind
...Humankind

And before I¹ll be a slave
I¹ll be buried in my grave

••••••

Ode To Odetta
Words and music by Stephen Alcorn ©2008

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 02:30 AM

snip from article (link above) "Odetta is a legendary figure who is almost unknown to the masses of the American people."

That bit of information would boggle my mind had I not discovered her spine tingling talent through this thread. The power of her delivery shakes me to the core.

How she has simultaneously remained obscure to the masses and yet so prolific is a wonder. Aside from singing out against the obvious capitalist conventions that work to keep black Americans in a state of poverty and vulnerability, she has honed in on powerful capitalist lobbies.

second snip "Odetta also addressed the health issue and pointed out that health is a social /political matter. "

This surely would make her unpopular with medical care, health insurance and pharmeceuticals lobbies. They likely would pull endorsement from media companies and make harumphing noises at any organisations they funded. Perhaps she is not touted on many talk shows or endorsed by charities for fear of losing backing.

Well God bless her and thank god for this forum where a few more of us clueless can learn of her.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: BK Lick
Date: 25 Nov 08 - 04:38 PM

Odetta: A Legend for the Ages by Norman (Otis) Richmond writing in the November 25 issue of Black Agenda Report.

Mr. Richmond, writing from Toronto, is a longtime student of revolutionary culture.
He attended a performance by the 77-year-old icon, last month.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Alice
Date: 25 Nov 08 - 04:35 PM

hoping here for her health and recovery

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 25 Nov 08 - 04:31 PM

Thank BK I tried that before. But as I am in the UK, Rhapsody won't permit me access.

It is ok. I just ordered 3 CDs from Amazon UK (Christmas prezzies to myself) and one has Water Boy on it.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: BK Lick
Date: 25 Nov 08 - 04:26 PM

You can hear it here.
Click on "View all 349 tracks" and then find track 339 on the last page.

—BK

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 12:03 PM

anyone know where i can here a full recording of her Waterboy

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 05:57 PM

I may actually get to the inauguration. I hope she's well enough to perform, but I mostly just hope she's well.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 12:31 PM

The candle is lit in my mind for her. And for those caring for her.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: C. Ham
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 11:25 AM

She is also scheduled to perform in Montreal in April.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 09:50 AM

Doug e-mailed me that Odetta is slowly getting stronger each day. In addition to her goal of singing at Obama's inauguration, she has another goal of singing on Prairie Home Companion in December. She still has a lot to overcome to meet this goal, so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: EBarnacle
Date: 18 Nov 08 - 10:36 AM

Even at her age, kidney failure need not keep her from leading a full life. Expect to see her at the inauguration. I hope there are no other complicating factors, though.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 11:44 PM

No changes. The FUV blog is a repeating the original story.   Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: artbrooks
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 11:42 PM

No major changes. This per a blog on WFUV.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,iancarterb
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 11:25 PM

It must be fifty years since I first was nearly levitated by that voice off my big brother's record. Only a couple of years later, at Newport, the speaking voice, the sweet, gentle, utterly powerful speaking voice in between those stunning songs, powerful enough to stun a buffalo. It sure would be grand to hear both on January 20th.
Carter B

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Folkie101
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 11:02 AM

Any new updates on Odetta?

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Beer
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 07:32 PM

Ron,
Have you heard how she is doing?
Adrien

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 05:55 PM

Bless...

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Genie
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 04:25 PM

I had the privilege of hearing Odetta at the Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC, back in 1967. Incredibly powerful voice, delivery, and presence. I was barely familiar with her music at the time, but she blew me away too.

What Mick said, too.   Love to have you stay with us on this side a while longer - and when you go, you'll join a wonderful musical host on the other side.   

Genie

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Big Mick
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 02:18 PM

I will never forget sitting in the field at Wheatland (1987 or 1988, I think) as Odetta climbed on that stage. I knew her from her recordings, but I was wholly unprepared to be blown away by the voice, the musicianship, and the stage presence I encountered. I was immediately and forevermore a fan from that moment on.

Remain, Sister, and sing for the young man in whom so many dreams are invested. If you must go, then go with our love and carry our best wishes to the other side. Your voice will be found here in all who have heard you.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Franz S.
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 01:55 PM

"Talk about me, sure, as you please.
No talk'll never drive me down to my knees."

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: PoppaGator
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 01:27 PM

What a wonderful and unique person, and voice, who has inspired so many of us for so many years.

I'll be hoping and praying, along with the rest of y'all, that she can hang on through January and regain enough health and mobility to lend her talents to the inauguration proceedings. If she can do it, I'm sure that she will provide a truly unforgettable moment.

If not ~ if her time has truly come ~ well then, so be it. I suppose the desire to hear and see her one last time, in such a setting, would really be for our pleasure, not necessarily for Odetta's best interests. Peace be with her.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: C. Ham
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 01:17 PM

I saw Odetta in August at the Ottawa Folk Festival and her performances in the afternoon workshop with Mike Regenstreif, Finest Kind and Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, and in the evening on the main stage, were wonderful. Absolutely my favorite moments of a very fine festival.

May her recovery be swift because every time she sings the world is a better place to be.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,john durbin
Date: 14 Nov 08 - 01:10 PM

Odetta,

We wish your recovery and choice your time.

May your strenght from the old Gate of Horn, carry you on.

JD

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 08:51 PM

I would only hope that Odetta can choose her time.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Celtaddict
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 06:16 PM

I last saw and heard Odetta in June in New York at the Bitter End (talk about a historic flashback; she was with Liam Clancy, Tom Paxton, and Oscar Brand) and though she appeared frail and thin, her voice was still powerful and rich and her wit and strength still shone. I would dearly love to hear her sing for the inauguration!

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Azizi
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 05:06 PM

Odetta. I love her name. I love her singing, and I love the role model that she has been and still is for so many people.

Positive vibrations for her from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 03:11 PM

Stephen, thanks for sharing that; it is beautiful!!

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,Stephen Alcorn
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 03:06 PM

Oh Odetta, sing for me!
Take me across that deep blue sea;
Back to the Garden whence we came—
Back to the spring of your sweet refrain.
"All the way to freedom land...
All the way to freedom land."
Across the skies and back through time;
Back to the cradle of humankind. *

Be better soon, Odetta!

We love you,

Stephen and family

*from the tribute song entitled Ode To Odetta; ©Stephen Alcorn 2008

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 01:39 PM

One of the most powerful and electric performers I have seen or heard. The first time I heard her was on a Harry Belafonte album at Carnegie Hall, doing "The Ox Driving Song." What she sang seemed to come from some deep well of emotion and power. May her fervent wish be granted in January.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: topical tom
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 08:46 AM

I saw Odetta some years back at the Ottawa Folk Festival.What a commanding presence on stage and what a gracious lady she was!She absolutely captivated and charmed the audience.At a certain point the power went out completely and someone in the audience flipped on a lighter and began to sing "This Little Light of Mine" and the entire audience joined in(Odetta, too, of course)!When the power returned Odetta quipped "Another small miracle!"It was an unforgettable, moving experienced handled with grace by a fine lady.Please get well soon.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: GUEST,Fred Stollnitz
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 05:32 AM

Odetta was the featured performer at the 1958 Swarthmore College Folk Festival. Members of the Class of 1959 have been hoping that she'll be the featured performer for Swarthmore Folk at Alumni Weekend next June, when we have our 50th Reunion. We'll keep on hoping!

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 03:46 AM

And my wife and I were privileged to see hear this year at Ottawa Festival and she was wonderful. Her perfroming at Obama's inauguration would be a truly remarkable event.

Please make it through.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 03:34 AM

Amazing woman. I was privileged to see her in 1985, I think it was, when she came to my university. I hope she is well enough to sing for Barack.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: cobber
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 12:37 AM

And best wishes from me in Australia. I've never seen her live but her records are wonderful. I hope she gets well soon

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 10:36 PM

A friend of mine once said that he thought Odetta was a great "sole singer" because her voice pulled all the emotions from her.....clear down to the soles of her feet.

It can't be time yet.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Art Thieme
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 10:19 PM

In 1959 my girlfriend said we should go to the GATE OF HORN (Chicago seminal folk club) to hear something she called "an Odetta." Needless to say, I was astounded by her voice, her presence, and her unbelievable guitar picking.

The word out then was that she had been taught some by none other than Frank Hamilton. (If that's true, it is completely logical; Frank was the house musician at the Gate Of Horn back then!)

I graduated high school that year, and went on to hear Odetta "Felious" (her last name then) at the University Of Illinois in Champaign. Just yesterday I was told that Odetta had to cancel her show scheduled for next week in Rockford, Illinois because of Illness.---- And now this sad thread.

My heartfelt sincere hopes for a real and a speedy recovery go out to her.

Odetta, be well!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Beer
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 10:06 PM

Card will be in the mail tomorrow.
Thanks Ron.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Arkie
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 09:57 PM

A wonderful, powerful singer with a true gift of music. I was fortunate to hear her perform and was honored to meet her several years ago when she was in Mountain View, AR to visit with her friends Jimmy and Cleda Driftwood. I am hopeful that she will sing for Obama.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: Sorcha
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 08:47 PM

Oh, please...not Odetta TOO!

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 08:12 PM

I saw Odetta here in Maine a few years ago. There is no shaking that spirit. But...if she wants to stay for Obama's inauguration, I will pray that she recovers. If she is ready to go, Ms Makeba is waiting to greet her and I will be happy to let her go.

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized (Nov 2008)
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 08:00 PM

Card on the way and giving thanks for her ability to sing at Obama's inauguration. Thanks for letting us know!

Subject: RE: Odetta hospitalized
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 07:24 PM

She has fans all around the world pulling for her. Please pass on best wishes for a strong, swift recovery, and all the songs still to come - yet another reason to look forward to Obama's inauguration. I have loved Odetta's voice for as long as I can remember.

Bonnie in Ireland

Subject: Odetta hospitalized
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 07:14 PM

The following note was sent by Doug Yeager, who represents folk music legend Odetta:


Dear Friends of Odetta,

On behalf of Odetta's adopted daughter Michelle Esrick and her niece Jan Ford (in California), I would like to share with you - Odetta's large extended family of brothers and sisters - the current health crisis in her life. On Saturday, she went into Lenox Hill Hospital for a check-up and IV nourishment. However, on Sunday evening she went into kidney failure, and we were told that the next 24 hours would determine if she would survive.

Miraculously, she made it through that emergency, but is still listed in critical condition. I was on the road when she went in the hospital and rushed back on Sunday. Jan and I are thankful that Michelle was here and has been by Odetta's side every moment of this ordeal.

Odetta believes she is going to sing at Obama's Inauguration, and I believe that is the reason she is still alive. She has a big poster of Barack Obama taped on the wall across from her bed. Her old heart has already outperformed and lasted far beyond the expectations of the heart specialists who treated her in January-March 2007 when she had her last health crisis while touring out West. Now compounded with the kidney failure, the doctors at the hospital are trying to do everything possible to stabilize her system and prevent the weakening of her other organs. They have her on dialysis now to rid the body of the toxic poisons that have built up, and it seems to be slowly working. She is sleeping a lot, but after a dialysis treatment and some food, she is coherent and talking. She is not in pain. We are told that she will be in the ICU Unit for at least another week, and that we'll just have to wait and see after that.

All of you are well aware of Odetta's indomitable spirit. Accordingly, I wouldn't bet against her singing for Barack in January!

If you would like to send a card, I know that she would love to hear from you (address of the hospital is below).

Ms. Odetta Gordon
Room # 719, 7th Floor ICU Unit
LENOX HILL HOSPITAL
100 East 77th Street
New York, NY 10021

Warmest regards,
Doug Yeager