Odetta and Obama Inauguration

Subject: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 12:43 PM

I can suggest this thread, but at the moment I cannot do the work to make it great-- for that I need Mudcat's best.

We can make a place, right here, for her to sing as she wanted to sing. How? By setting up links to every online performance of hers that can be found. I'd suggest checking Woodsongs and Kennedy Center Millenium Stage first.

BEFORE the day, Catters, see and if possible save those performances so that we can all view/listen later, from our hard drives, on Inauguration Day. The links will be here for others to find on that day, so if we have saved copies our own puders, that will reduce the traffic on The Day.

Of course if I can do it, I'll be hitting the "record" button as I listen. The Odetta I saw in my youth would like that, I think.


Please, Catters, help me out on this one and make her proud.

~Susan

(Mods please help keep it organized and clean.)

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 02:13 PM

err, what's this about? don't geddit...(should I know?)

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 02:21 PM

Odetta had hoped to sing at the Obama inaugural, but she died last month.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: Charley Noble
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 02:21 PM

There was a plan to have Odetta sing at the Obama Presidential Inauguration, something that she wanted very much to do and Obama was very pleased at her offer.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 02:26 PM

Ah right, I see! thanks for letting me know. I don't think I knew her work.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: open mike
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 02:39 PM

Yes, you should know..Odetta was hoping to sing at Obama's inauguration.

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=116669&messages=12

She passed away a few weeks ago. She was a tremendously powerful
folk singer who shared her music for the common good--singing at
rallies, marches and inspiring many with her music.

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1863667,00.html

today would have been her 78th birthday.

She would always sing Amazing Grace and sing "saved a soul like me"
instead of "a wretch"


Rock Island Line
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YRUQb5Cih8&feature=related

Blowin' in the Wind
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaCqhnELvFs&feature=related

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: PoppaGator
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 02:40 PM

Anyone unfamiliar with Odetta ought to learn at least a little bit about her. Maybe the Wiki article is a good place to start:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odetta

This great lady passed away only very recently, so we've just had plenty of discussion about her life and work here at Mudcat.

It's hard to imagine that anyone with the slightest interest in folk music would not know Odetta, but I suppose that would be true only for Americans, and perhaps only for those of us "of a certain age" (or older).

Her appearance at Obama's inauguration would have been memorable. Any effort to honor her memory on that historic day would be a great idea.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 04:06 PM

I didn't know it was her birthday today. Nice coinkydink.

GREAT start on links.

~S~

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 04:17 PM

A page from her current record company, MC Records

A page from her management company, Concerted Efforts

Odetta Vanguard Records

Fan page at Geocities

Odetta's oral history video excerpts at The National Visionary Leadership Project

AP Obituary in the New York Times

Odetta remembrance and archive at NPR Music

Odetta Gordon performs "Give Me Your Hand video from the WGBH Archives

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 04:23 PM

There are more links here, can someone please post them?

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97739742

~S~

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 05:43 PM

Sounds good! Best of luck with your project.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: SINSULL
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 05:49 PM

One of our Mudkittens is appearing in the Inaugural Parade. I will let the proud parents announce it.
With all the problems in the world and in our country, I still feel as I did when I was 16 and our generation was going to change the world. A breath of fresh air. A taste of hope.
SINS

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 10:12 PM

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 12:07 AM

I had never heard of her before coming to Mudcat. Some of us didn't grow up in those circles, or are younger, or...gasp, were into rock and roll!**bg** Still she was tremendous and this is a neat tribute.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 07:50 AM

I just discovered this wonderful singer from the Mudcat thread about her last hospital stay. Followed a link to a you tube video that took me to shortened version of Waterboy and I fell in love. I got 6 Odetta CDs for Christmas.

She was powerful voice and led an admirable life.

I love this idea. Let freedom ring and may Odetta sing, forever amen.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 11:25 AM

Thanks, friends. Please look upthread to some of the earlier-posted links if you have a mo'. Each of them tends to contain links to MORE stuff. Post 'em if you would, please, in good link form (clones help please).

The Net being what it is, this cannot be a permathread because a lot of the vids may disappear before long, but in the meantime we can treat is as a resource thread and make nice links. Feel free, clones, to use (delete, post something else entirely) any of my posts upthread or downthread to insert anything relevant.

The existing Obit thread is probably the better place for remembrances, OK folks? The intended tribute here is just the links to let people HEAR her on the day.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 11:58 AM

Washington Post article

for pure sacred shiver - Water Boy

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 01:02 PM

Thanks, VT!

~S~

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 02:52 PM

You Don't Know My Mind

House of the Rising Sun

Bourgeois Blues

God this is amazing - February 2008 and she is so frail in wheel chair yet that voice. Keep On Moving It On

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 02:57 PM

and on my 50th birthday 13 April 2008 Glory Halleluja

I can't wait to cross over. After I find my daughter and my dad, I want to meet her.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 03:05 PM

Part of a film called "Liam Clancy and Friends, Live at The Bitter End".
Odetta in film live at the Bitter End

I love what announcer says about her at beginning of clip, "...before she gets to drunk and rowdy to be able to sing".

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 03:25 PM

Interviews with Odetta re:

civil rights activism

folk music and rock music

I am turning into a rabid fan.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: Helen
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 04:06 PM

I was very fortunate in being able to see Odetta perform live in Sydney, Oz in the early 90's, I think - not sure of the exact date.

It would be wonderful if a video clip of Odetta could be used at the inauguration.

Start using your influence, US-ers, and see what you can do. :-)

Helen

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 06:36 PM

VT for Catter of the Year!

~S~

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 04:29 AM

Hi Susan

I was home, stuck on sofa with Return of the Flu playing in my sinues and lungs, so I thought I would start the list of clickies.

Now for some more rich, rich stuff


Newport Festival

A jazzy recording of Hit or Miss

Joshua fit the Battle of Jericho

Motherless Child

At first I didn't like this arrangement in this but it is growing on me. Kind of nostalgic. What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Midnight Special

Careless Love

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 09:25 AM

I wrote to Odetta in hospital (I wonder what the hospital and her family did with what must have been an overwhelming no. of cards and letters) and one thing I suggested was that if she wasn't well enough to travel to the inauguration she might be able to appear by video link. I still think it would be nice if a picture and recording of Odetta could be incorporated into the ceremonies. Who should be contacted with this suggestion and does anyone reading this message have any appropriate "connections"?

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 09:45 AM

it is very unlikely that the spin doctors controlling Obama's inauguration ceremony will be cool with anything that might steal his thunder on the day.

i wouldn't hold my breath for Odetta to be mentioned in anyway on the day.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: PoppaGator
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 11:13 AM

I wouldn't think that a video performance would "steal Obama's thunder" any more than the scheduled live performance would have done.

Barack would do well to have Odetta's "impramatur" stamped on his inauguration, even from beyond the grace. He was certainly interested in having her there in person had it been possible; it's not all that far-fetched that someone in his inner circle might be approached with a suggestion to letr Odetta appear "by proxy" in a nice brief video with good sound quality.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 11:28 AM

Don't get me wrong, I think it would be wonderful hear a recording of Odetta's voice ringing out at the inauguration. I am normally not so negative. I just think that Mr. Obama will have his hands full and his head around the real work lying ahead of him and likely leave the details of this ceremony to paid professionals.

I would love it if there was some way we could get through to those prfessionals and ask that they include Odetta in the occasion.

Any ideas? A Mudcat or Facebook petition? Time is running out.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 11:37 AM

Inauguration Swearing-In Ceremony 2009


Musical selection at the inauguration - Aretha Franklin.
Looks like a done deal now.

Sigh.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 12:09 PM

well i found this link to the Presidential Inaugural Committee

http://www.pic2009.org/content/home/

Perhaps if a load of us sign up and start leaving comments on the blog we can get our wish.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 12:25 PM

Even though she never had a formal invitation, I would have loved to see Odetta appear. I take comfort in the fact that her music, throughout her life, helped pave a way for Obama to become president.

If there were a video, you would also have to include people like Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson and so many others whose voices cried out for justic and dignity. It took time, but change has come. There are millions of voices that will be echoing on inauguration day.

A video is not necessary to recall that as ultimately it cannot capture all those who deserve to be there.

We also need to remember that this is so much more than just a culmination of a dream. A video cannot do justice as this is a celebration for ALL Americans and it is the start of the future. Let us always keep the past in our hearts and souls, but keep our eyes and ears on what needs to be done for the future.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 12:32 PM

FOLKS,

Any event planner would say that either they already have it well in hand with Odetta on video, or it's too late now to modify what is planned. Let's just keep this thread full of links, OK?

(Remember that whatever we post now will be read, on the day, by people entirely new to Mudcat. Let's let them see us at our best, and leave the rest for other threads, OK?)

What Mudcat can do is be a legacy forever, as Max so often reminds us-- while other Net sites come and go. Odetta will sing, here, forever, if we save the vids now, individually, and can repost them later if and when Max has more storage space to archive the work of departed greats.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 12:37 PM

sorry... sumphin lit a fire under my.... well

wise words above. sing on everybody.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: PoppaGator
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 01:02 PM

Ron makes a good point; if video performances by artists who have passed on were to be included, where would one "draw the line"? There would undoubtedly be far too many.

Odetta's a special case, though ~ I think. Even if she was never "formally" invited, there was apparently some kind of tentative plan for her to appear.

One appropriate possibility: Aretha might, on her own, see fit to mention Odetta before starting to sing.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 01:11 PM

As much as I loved and was inspired by Odetta, I'm not sure that she should be a "special case".   She was a national treasure, and in our folk community she was an icon, but if I honestly had to choose someone to sing, Aretha Franklin is certainly worthy and represents all those who struggled before her. She should not be considered a "second choice" and I would not want to diminish her role.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: Azizi
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 01:23 PM

Ditto what Ron said on 02 Jan 09 - 12:25 PM.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 02:07 PM

As WYSIWIG planned we can make Odetta sing here on the day. Open this thread, click the links and listen before, during, after the televised ceremony.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 10:34 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 11:42 AM

In case any visitors didn't see, there is a list of links at the top of this thread.

They lead to other Odetta threads (which probably include audio links).

~S~

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: Stringsinger
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 11:57 AM

Odetta was a dear friend of mine. I knew her in Los Angeles at the inception of her career.
I know that she would dearly have loved to sing at the Inauguration and that would be not only fitting but inspiring.

Now, the page is turned. There are others to take up the torch. There are those among the living who deserve the opportunity now to express their appreciation for our historic first black president.

I think the best honor is to remember and enjoy her recordings.

Wouldn't it be fitting for Louis Armstrong to be resurrected to play at the Obama Inauguration? There are so many of the great African-American artists who could
rightfully be there. Marion Anderson, Paul Robeson...the list goes on.

Now, it's time to support those artists who are alive and can contribute.
Of course, it's up to Obama as to whom he would prefer to have.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 02:24 PM

Folks, if you want to suggest other AA singers for visitors to support-- new ones or legacy singers-- how about a few links to the threads that will help them find the music?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: Azizi
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 03:12 PM

Susan, your support of Odetta is very admirable. Because of the hyperlinks in this thread, individuals who previously may not have known about Odetta's music as well as those who did know about her music, now have easier access to a large number of her videos of that wonderful music.

However, as it has been noted in this thread, there are many "legacy singers" in addition to Odetta whose music and whose life work could be said to have earned them the right to perform at President Barack Obama's inauguration. Some of these persons are African American, and others are not.

Barack Obama will be the President of all persons in the United States, without regard to their race, creed, or color. I'm know that you know this. However, I'm concerned that others might read this thread and wrongly interprete your focus on African American performers in ways that are in opposition to President Obama's beliefs and his image.

Again, Susan, I believe that this thread has had and will continue to have beneficial results. However, I think its focus on Odetta and other "legacy" African American singers could be counterproductive.

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 09:23 AM

From topical tom in thread 90665:
06 Jan 09 - 11:10 PM
        
One I find most stirring is the late great Odetta's version of "Oh Freedom".

God bless her and thanks for being in our lives.

===

~S~

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 11:15 PM

From:
Subject: Odetta podcast
From: C. Ham - PM
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 11:43 AM
        

Mike Regenstreif has a new podcast in memory of Odetta.

Playlist blog

Download podcast.

===

~S~

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 10:03 AM

Here we go. I'll be away on the 20th. SomeBuddy please keep this refrsehed?

~S~

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 07:02 AM

Upsydaisy!

~S~

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 05:38 PM

One more time!

Subject: RE: Odetta and Obama Inauguration
From: Little Robyn
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 02:18 AM

Here in NZ we played a track from my 1959 Odetta record in honour of the occasion on our radio show - Folk on Sunday.
She sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Robyn