Our top 10 Odetta Holmes songs list digs deep into the music of one of the most significant figures towards the revival of folk music in the US. Odetta teacher’s words fueled her passion for music. This was after the teacher realized that she had great vocals. As a result, Odetta Holmes would begin operatic training in her early teenage life. After completing high school, she joined Los Angeles City College to study music while still working as a domestic worker to cater to her needs.
Her mother eventually saw the musical talent in Odetta and wished she would become the next Marian Anderson. Odetta barely believed that she would reach such feats as a black girl. Nevertheless, she worked hard for a music career, and in 1944, her musical career began at The Turnabout Theatre. Later on, she would join the Finian’s Rainbow musical company in 1949, after which she opted to concentrate on folk singing. Would her new life in music bring fruition?
Of course, yes! Odetta popularized her talent by singing in nightclubs. In 1954 Odetta Holmes linked up with Larry Mohr to form the blues-folk duo, Odetta & Larry. Despite their short-lived career as a duo, the two released an album, The Tin Angel (1954). Soon after, Odetta Holmes sought a solo career which she launched with the release of her debut album Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues (1957).
Popular at the end of the ’50s, Odetta Holmes released several albums and tons of cover songs. Odetta linked up with Harry Belafonte in the release of a duet, “There’s a Hole in The Bucket,” which saw the two pride themselves with more fame in the UK. This followed after the song peaked at number thirty-two on the UK Singles Chart. Odetta’s rise to fame was recognized by great pillars in the society, including Martin Luther King Jr, who regarded her as “The American Folk Music Queen.” Her efforts in the civil rights demonstrations cannot be taken for granted. This follows her ever-felt presence in the limelight, singing hits that saw her become a significant pillar in the fight for human rights.
Odetta Holmes’ impact on music cannot be belittled having her inspire artists such as Janis Ian and Joan Baez. While some artists are paid tribute to when they are already gone, Odetta Holmes had a different story to tell. March 2007 saw artists come together for a tribute concert to Odetta Holmes. Some of the notable names that gave live performances in the concert include Pete Seeger, Janis Ian, Harry Belafonte, Tom Rush, Madeleine Peyroux, and Eric Andersen. Even though she is now gone, her music reminds us of one of the greatest pillars in the American folk music scene.
#10- Baby, I’m In The Mood for You
Opening our top 10 Odetta Holmes songs is “Baby, I’m in The Mood for You.” The song was penned by Bob Dylan who revealed that Odetta turned him to folk music. “Baby, I’m in The Mood for You” is featured on her album Odetta Sings Dylan (1965). The album contained covers of Bob Dylan songs which Odetta took and gave them a deep folk vibe. Bob Dylan would later record this song in his album Biograph (1985).
#9- Strawberry Fields Forever
“Strawberry Fields Forever” is a hit originally released by The Beatles. The song was based on John Lennon’s memories back in Liverpool. This was one of his best works with the legendary English rock band The Beatles. Odetta Holmes released this hit on her album Odetta (1967). Other artists who covered this song include Todd Rundgren, The Bee Gees, Cyndi Lauper, Andy Partridge, and Tomorrow.
#8- Blues Everywhere I Go
After over fifty years of singing, Odetta Holmes received her first Grammy Award nomination. This came after she released the album Blues Everywhere I Go (1999), receiving a nomination for the Best Traditional Blues Album. One of the great hits from the album was the album titled hit “Blues Everywhere I Go,” a cover to an original song by the jazz organ prowess Shirley Scott. While Odetta Holmes lost the Grammy Award to B. B. King’s Blues on the Bayou (1998), songs like “Blues Everywhere I Go” remain to be a roadmap to her greatness on the mic.
#7- House of The Rising Sun
“House of The Rising Sun” is a popular traditional folk song that several artists have paid homage to, especially in the last century. The song tells of a life gone wrong for a person who lived in New Orleans. Odetta Holmes performed this song in the last years on the music scene before her health declined and led to her death. Her version might not be as popular as the 1964 rendition by The Animals. However, it comes out so strong to show how much Odetta’s vocals hadn’t faded away despite her age.
#6- Tomorrow is A Long Time
Number six on our top 10 Odetta Holmes songs is the hit “Tomorrow is A Long Time.” The song is featured on the album Odetta Sings Dylan (1965). “Tomorrow is A Long Time” was penned by Bob Dylan, who would later release the song in 2010. Odetta Holmes showcases her magnificent vocals on this song, making her name as one of the significant folk-rock artists of all time.
#5- Waterboy
Earlier, we mentioned that Odetta Holmes is one of the pillars who helped revive the folk music scene in the US. She took on yet another traditional folk song, “Waterboy,” sometimes called “The Water Boy,” delivering an awe-inspiring performance. While the song was popularized as a jazz song in the 1920s, Odetta was one of the artists who brought back its folk vibe. This came after she released the song under her album My Eyes Have Seen (1959) under Vanguard Records. Other artists to have covered this song include Edric Connor, John Lee Hooker, Jimmie Rodgers, Roger Whittaker, and The Kingston Trio.
#4- Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
“Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” was one of the popular songs you would hear during the Civil rights movement. The song is a traditional African-American spiritual that dates back to the United States’ slavery era. Odetta Holmes gave a rendition to this traditional song featuring it on her album Odetta at Carnegie Hall (1960). Her version was adopted in the biblical drama film The Gospel According to St. Matthew.
#3- Hit or Miss
While most of the best Odetta Holmes songs might have drawn from the traditional folk songs, this doesn’t mean that she didn’t write her own songs. “Hit or Miss” is one of the songs she composed and released, proving her skills in songwriting. The song was featured on her album Odetta Sings (1970). This 1970-album featured “Movin’ It On,” another song she penned. While most of her songs have seen her dubbed the queen of the folk music scene, “Hit or Miss” saw her embrace soul elements more than the folk vibes.
#2- This Little Light of Mine
“This Little Light of Mine” is a gospel song that many activist artists have paid homage to in the past. Odetta Holmes is one of the artists who set their vocals on this magical song. In 2001, Odetta linked up with the Boys Choir of Harlem to give a rendition of the song on the Late Show with David Letterman. Other artists who have covered this popular song include Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Everly Brothers, Zilphia Horton, Ray Charles, and Fannie Lou Hamer.
#1- Take This Hammer
Number one on our top 10 Odetta Holmes songs list is the hit “Take This Hammer.” “Take This Hammer” is a song originally released by Lead Belly in 1942. What makes her rendition of this song unique is her emotive power blended with her awe-inspiring vocals. You can feel her pains and expression converted into musical art with the song. Listening to this song makes you realize why she was regarded as a queen of American folk music.
Photo: Jac. de Nijs / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
