Odetta, "Keep On Movin' It On" February 2008
This was filmed a month after I last saw her. She was a giant, she had a booming low alto and a limitless spirit.
She would talk about things like the ethics of music. One musician is always supposed to be able to go to another musician and say "You know this, I don't, now teach me."
She was a major influence on artists like Bob Dylan, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Joan Baez, Peter Paul & Mary, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.
She was also a gracious and kind woman of great personal courage.
The last time she played San Diego I was there. We talked, we laughed, we sang "This Little Light of Mine" and "Bring Me a Little Water, Sylvie."
Glory, Glory, Hallelujah
Since I laid my burden down
Glory, Glory, Hallelujah
Since I laid this burden down
I asked my dearest brother
"Help me lay this burden down."
I asked my dearest sister
"Help me lay this burden down."
My dear, your race is run, you ran bravely and well. Rest. You earned it.
That Odetta, who sang on the bridge with Doctor King, was able to see our last election where Barack Obama won decisively brings me great satisfaction. I will miss her a lot.
Bring me a little water Sylvie
Bring me a little water now
Bring me a little water Sylvie
Every little once in a while
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