Odetta: A Life in Music and Protest

Odetta represents freedom, power, resistance, and so much more to music artists around the world. Ian Zack tells their stories of her from over 75 interviews in Odetta: A Life in Music and Protest. Zack interweaves interviews of Odetta with the history of the time to give a glimpse into a shy, introverted, woman who found her voice through music and the people she met along the way.

Odetta did not set out to change the landscape, but she did not shy away from taking a stance. She did not need to open her mouth and sing as she displayed her stance with her hair. Odetta let her hair grow natural in what was a first at the time for women: a short afro. She dressed simply in jeans and shirt. She did not feel the need for airs. Odetta was just herself. She may not have liked how curvy she was, but do not talk to her about her hair.

I love this story and the fact that it is true is an inspiration and a privilege to read.