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Office of External Communications |
Houston, TX 77204-5017 Fax: 713.743.8199 |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Contact:
Mike Emery |
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Odetta’s soulful voice and songs of strength have inspired fans of folk music including artists like Bob Dylan and U.S. President Bill Clinton. Soon, the famed singer and activist will bring her inimitable vocals and messages of social justice to the University of Houston for two days of music and discussion. Odetta will discuss her music and role during the Civil Rights movement during an invitation-only dinner with Houston educators at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9 in the O’Quinn Great Hall in UH’s Athletics/Alumni Center. She also will perform “Songs of Social Change,” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10 in UH’s Cullen Performance Hall. This concert is free and open to the public. Trained as a classical vocalist, Odetta’s forays into folk music began during visits to San Francisco coffee houses in the early 1950s. While performing in New York, she caught the attention of folk star Pete Seeger and vocalist/actor Harry Belafonte, both of whom helped introduce her to larger audiences. In 1954, she made her recording debut with “The Tin Angel.” In addition to her status as a folk icon, Odetta is known for her work as an activist promoting civil and women’s rights. In 1963, she participated in the famous “March on Washington.” Artists she has collaborated with during her career include Dylan, Seeger, Johnny Cash and Joan Baez. In 1999, President Bill Clinton presented Odetta with the National Endowment for the Arts' Medal of the Arts. Odetta’s appearance on campus is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education Teaching American History Grant Partners including UH’s College of Education and Department of History, Houston Independent School District, Region IV Education Service Center and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom. |
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