Skip to main content
DeepCutsArchive
BrowseArtistsTimelineMapDecadesSubmit

DeepCutsArchive

Preserving the footage that shaped music history. Rare clips, studio sessions, and moments lost to time.

BrowseArtistsGenresDecadesLocationsSubmit a ClipAboutContactEditorial PolicyArticles

© 2026 DeepCutsArchive. All footage remains the property of its original creators.

Privacy PolicyTerms of UseSupport

Developed with love as a personal project by Jamie McDonnell

ui-ux-design.comai-consultancy.company
PreviousUse arrow keysNext
0 views
Share this clip

odetta - go down sunshine

Odetta
1950s1956Acousticyoutube

from the album 'Odetta and the blues' Odetta is one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century. By combining the power and grace of an opera singer with the earthiness of a blues singer and the conviction of a folk singer, Odetta became a commanding, stirring singer unlike any other. Odetta released her first album, Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues, in 1956. This is some two years before the beginning of the folk revival with which she is usually associated. The power of her singing seems to connect her to an earlier folk music, more elemental and raw than her late-50s and early-60s peers. Unlike the Highwaymen or other popular interrupters of classic folk songs, Odetta seems closer in both approach and presentation to Leadbelly. Her interest in folk music appeared to be less of a personal "revival" or awakening, than a continuation of a living tradition. She was referred to as the "female Leadbelly." Bob Dylan was major inspired by Odetta - - in 1956 her album, "ODETTA Sings Ballads & Blues," inspired him to trade in his electric guitar for a Gibson acoustic guitar,and got him into folk .

About Odetta

Odetta Holmes, known as Odetta, was an American singer, often referred to as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement". Her musical repertoire consisted largely of American folk music, blues, jazz, and spirituals.

More about Odetta→

Added 2 Sept 2026



Know someone who'd love this clip?

Share it with friends and fellow fans.

Share this clip

Keep Exploring

1960sAll ArtistsAll GenresAll DecadesBrowse by TagMore from 1950sAll acoustic

More from Odetta

View all →
Thumbnail for Merl Saunders, Buddy Miles,Oteil Bambridge,Odetta @t Manny's Carwash, NY Pt 7 1996 (After Phish) by Odetta14:55

Merl Saunders, Buddy Miles,Oteil Bambridge,Odetta @t Manny's Carwash, NY Pt 7 1996 (After Phish)

Odetta

1960sTV AppearanceTour
Thumbnail for Backstage before I hit the stage. Getting mic up AZ convention Jan 2026 by Odetta0:25

Backstage before I hit the stage. Getting mic up AZ convention Jan 2026

Odetta

2020sBackstage
Thumbnail for Laura Cox &  Little Odetta -  Hard To Handle - from the Laiterie, Strasbourg 23/09/2023 by Odetta5:14

Laura Cox & Little Odetta - Hard To Handle - from the Laiterie, Strasbourg 23/09/2023

Odetta

2020s
Thumbnail for ODETTA autumn'13 by Odetta2:04

ODETTA autumn'13

Odetta

Backstage

More from the 1950s

View all →
Thumbnail for 1950s, 1960s Cotê d'Azur, France, 35mm by L.A.B.1:52

1950s, 1960s Cotê d'Azur, France, 35mm

L.A.B.

1950sRare
Thumbnail for Melvan "Majeli" McGregor: The Breeze of Belize! by R.E.M., soo, The Who, The La's, Mae, Cher, Y&T, Sting31:06

Melvan "Majeli" McGregor: The Breeze of Belize!

R.E.M., soo, The Who, The La's, Mae, Cher, Y&T, Sting

1950sDocumentaryInterview
Thumbnail for Popcorn Gem - GADDY WILSON & CINDERELLAS - Nothin' At Night - PHILIPS PB 980 UK 1959 Girls Dancer by ENTRE, Y&T, Sting2:14

Popcorn Gem - GADDY WILSON & CINDERELLAS - Nothin' At Night - PHILIPS PB 980 UK 1959 Girls Dancer

ENTRE, Y&T, Sting

1950sRare
Thumbnail for John Mayer on Moving from Fender to PRS Guitars by John Mayer3:43

John Mayer on Moving from Fender to PRS Guitars

John Mayer

1950sRare