Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Odetta, 1930-2008















Goodbye.

Odetta was part of my childhood. When the producers of televised events wanted to add a sense of dignified importance to their broadcasts, it seemed that they'd often call on the regal woman to perform. Sunday school teachers and elementary school staffers sometimes followed suit. Consequently, Odetta was the type of artist that I admired but rarely enjoyed. "All the Pretty Horses" captures the sense of hushed importance I associate with the folk singer. It's available on this fine compilation of folk classics. Odetta died yesterday.

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One-time Kansas Citian Mike Terry, a saxophonist heard on Motown hits including "Heat Wave" and "This Old Heart of Mine," died October 30. (Tip via BGO.)

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Charles Ferruzza composed a fine tribute to Kansas City composer and critic Virgil Thomson.

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Kansas City Click: New Vintage Big Band swings into B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ tonight.

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