Odetta Songs Ranked

Odetta Holmes (December 31, 1930 – December 2, 2008), known as Odetta, was an American singer, actress, guitarist, lyricist, and a civil and human rights activist, often referred to as “The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement”. Her musical repertoire consisted largely of American folk music, blues, jazz, and spirituals. An important figure in the American folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s, she influenced many of the key figures of the folk revival of that time, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Mavis Staples, and Janis Joplin. Time magazine included her recording of “Take This Hammer” on its list of the 100 Greatest Popular Songs, stating that “Rosa Parks was her No. 1 fan, and Martin Luther King Jr. called her the queen of American folk music.” Here are all of Odetta songs ranked.

Don’t miss out on the brilliant music of Odetta below! Click to experience great songs from one of the greatest artists of all time.

8. There’s a Hole in My Bucket (There’s a Hole in My Bucket, 2001)

“Something funny about this song , you only have to hear it one time to have the lyrics memorized, start with the bucket and you can just piece the story together from there.”

7. Waterboy (Essential Blues, 1959)

“Odetta is like a vocal wrecking ball. It’s a shame hardly anyone talks about her these days. I’ve yet to encounter anyone in my age group that knows anything about her.”

6. Spiritual Trilogy (Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues, 1957)

“This sounds like it is from her first album, Ballads and Blues. Just a young woman and her guitar. It was recorded a long time ago. I wish the recording were a little better… a little less guitar in the mix. Just listen to how she finishes the song – it is pure from the heart.”

5. Baby, I’m in the Mood for You (Odetta Sings Dylan, 1965)

“What a gorgeous voice & delivery Odetta had. Pure magic from a unique vocalist. Odetta was a wonderful woman. She could make you weep with her power.”

See more: Odetta Albums Ranked

4. Freedom Trilogy: Oh Freedom/ Come and Go With Me/ I’m on My Way (At Town Hall (HD Remastered), 1962)

“A voice that over a more than 50 year career moved audiences to tears , strengthened their resolve and inspired them. A true treasure and an American classic. In the last few years of her life-after receiving countless awards throughout her life- she was nominated for 2 Grammy awards-one for blues and one for folk. Perhaps you should stick to the natural beauty of elevator music”

3. Hit or Miss (Odetta Sings, 1970)

“It’s a great tune with a lotta soul! It’s one of the FEW advertisements that hooked me. Whoever chose it for SC hit a winner… it made my ears open up and pay attention and pursue the song to jam. It’s going to help SC a lot as well as Odetta!”

2. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (Odetta at Carnegie Hall, 1960)

“Odetta said this would be the one song she would want to be remembered for. It’s old and Spiritual of immense historical proportion. So tragic for those adult children.”

1. Battle Hymn of the Republic (My Eyes Have Seen, 1959)

“I love the deep spirituality of this song. So much meaning in every line of lyrics. No body is better than Odetta for this song either. You can’t tell me that her voice is not god given. Most modern pop singers could practice for 2000 years and not get close to the quality of voice she has.”