Odetta Holmes, known simply as Odetta, was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and civil rights activist. She emerged as a leading figure in the American folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s, drawing inspiration from blues, gospel, and traditional African American music. With her powerful voice and distinctive guitar style, Odetta captivated audiences and inspired a generation of musicians, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Janis Joplin.
In this article, we explore the 10 best Odetta songs of all time, showcasing the depth and breadth of her musical legacy. From soulful ballads to protest anthems, each song on this list is a testament to Odetta’s unparalleled talent and her unwavering commitment to social justice. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her music, these songs are sure to move and inspire you, and demonstrate why Odetta is widely regarded as one of the most important voices in American music history.
1. Baby, I’m In The Mood for You
“Baby, I’m In The Mood for You” is a classic Bob Dylan tune that Chris Stapleton delivers with his own signature style. His gritty, soulful voice adds a new dimension to the song, infusing it with emotion and depth. The stripped-down arrangement, featuring just Stapleton’s acoustic guitar and vocals, allows the lyrics to shine through and highlights the rawness of his performance. The song’s message about the ups and downs of relationships is timeless, and Stapleton’s interpretation feels both fresh and timeless. It’s a standout track from his extensive catalog, and a must-listen for fans of Stapleton, Dylan, or just great Americana music.
2. Strawberry Fields Forever
Chris Stapleton’s cover of “Strawberry Fields Forever” takes the iconic Beatles tune in a new direction, infusing it with his own brand of bluesy, soulful energy. His powerful vocals and masterful guitar playing give the song a raw, edgy feel that’s both captivating and unique. The stripped-down arrangement highlights the song’s melody and lyrics, while Stapleton’s unique interpretation breathes new life into this classic track. It’s a testament to his versatility as an artist, and his ability to make any song his own. Whether you’re a fan of the Beatles or Stapleton himself, this cover is a standout and a must-listen for anyone who loves great music.
3. Blues Everywhere I Go
“Blues Everywhere I Go” is a standout track from Chris Stapleton’s debut album, “Traveller.” The song showcases his incredible vocal range and his mastery of traditional blues and country music. The lyrics explore themes of heartache and loneliness, with Stapleton’s delivery bringing a sense of raw emotion and authenticity to the song. The bluesy guitar riffs and driving rhythm section create a powerful backdrop for Stapleton’s vocals, adding to the song’s overall impact. It’s a testament to his ability to blend genres and create music that is both timeless and modern. Whether you’re a fan of blues, country, or just great music in general, “Blues Everywhere I Go” is a must-listen track from one of the most talented artists in the industry today.
4. House of The Rising Sun
Chris Stapleton’s take on the classic folk song “House of The Rising Sun” is a powerful and soulful rendition that showcases his incredible vocal range and talent as a musician. His bluesy guitar playing and emotive vocals breathe new life into this timeless tune, bringing a fresh perspective to its haunting lyrics. The stripped-down arrangement, featuring just Stapleton’s vocals and acoustic guitar, allows the song’s melody and message to take center stage. His raw, unvarnished delivery adds a sense of urgency and authenticity to the song, creating a powerful listening experience. It’s a testament to his ability to connect with his audience and make any song his own, and a must-listen for fans of Stapleton, folk music, or great storytelling through music.
5. Tomorrow is A Long Time
“Tomorrow is A Long Time” is a beautiful and introspective ballad that Chris Stapleton covers with his own unique blend of soul and Americana. Originally written by Bob Dylan, the song’s poetic lyrics explore themes of love, longing, and the passage of time. Stapleton’s emotive vocals and delicate guitar playing add a sense of warmth and vulnerability to the song, making it a standout track in his extensive catalog. The sparse instrumentation and stripped-down arrangement allow the song’s lyrics to shine through, and Stapleton’s interpretation of the melody feels both fresh and timeless. It’s a stunning showcase of his talents as a songwriter and performer, and a must-listen for fans of Stapleton, Dylan, or just great music in general.
6. Waterboy
“Waterboy” is a traditional folk song that Chris Stapleton delivers with his own unique blend of grit and soul. His powerful vocals and bluesy guitar playing give the song a raw, edgy feel that’s both captivating and unique. The song’s lyrics, which explore themes of hardship and struggle, are made all the more poignant by Stapleton’s emotive delivery. The stripped-down arrangement, featuring just his acoustic guitar and vocals, allows the song’s melody and message to take center stage. It’s a standout track from his extensive catalog, and a testament to his ability to infuse even the most traditional folk songs with his own brand of soulful energy. Whether you’re a fan of folk music or just great music in general, “Waterboy” is a must-listen.
7. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
Chris Stapleton’s rendition of “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” is a haunting and powerful interpretation of the classic spiritual. His soulful vocals and emotive delivery capture the song’s sense of longing and despair, while the sparse instrumentation and simple arrangement create a haunting atmosphere. The song’s message, about feeling lost and disconnected, is timeless and universal, and Stapleton’s rendition brings it to life in a fresh and authentic way. It’s a standout track from his extensive catalog, and a must-listen for fans of Stapleton, traditional spirituals, or just great music in general. Whether you’re moved by the song’s powerful lyrics or Stapleton’s masterful vocal performance, “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” is a stunning showcase of his talents as a musician and artist.
8. Hit or Miss
“Hit or Miss” is a standout track from Chris Stapleton’s debut album, “Traveller.” The song’s driving rhythm section and catchy guitar riffs create a foot-stomping groove that’s impossible to resist. Stapleton’s gritty vocals and masterful delivery add to the song’s overall impact, creating a memorable listening experience. The lyrics, which explore themes of chance and risk-taking, are both thought-provoking and relatable, and Stapleton’s interpretation feels both fresh and timeless. It’s a testament to his ability to blend genres and create music that is both classic and modern. Whether you’re a fan of country, blues, or just great music in general, “Hit or Miss” is a must-listen track from one of the most talented artists in the industry today.
9. This Little Light of Mine
“This Little Light of Mine” is a classic gospel song that Chris Stapleton covers with his own signature style. His soulful vocals and emotive delivery add a new dimension to the song, infusing it with a sense of passion and energy. The stripped-down arrangement, featuring just Stapleton’s acoustic guitar and vocals, allows the song’s message of hope and perseverance to shine through. The song’s timeless lyrics, about letting your light shine and not hiding your true self, are both uplifting and inspiring, and Stapleton’s interpretation feels both authentic and contemporary. It’s a standout track from his extensive catalog, and a must-listen for fans of gospel music, Stapleton, or just great music in general.
10. Take This Hammer
“Take This Hammer” is a traditional folk song that Chris Stapleton delivers with his own unique blend of blues and country. His powerful vocals and soulful guitar playing give the song a raw, gritty feel that’s both captivating and authentic. The song’s lyrics, which explore themes of hard work and struggle, are made all the more poignant by Stapleton’s emotive delivery. The sparse instrumentation and simple arrangement allow the song’s melody and message to take center stage. It’s a standout track from his extensive catalog, and a testament to his ability to infuse even the most traditional folk songs with his own brand of soulful energy. Whether you’re a fan of folk music or just great music in general, “Take This Hammer” is a must-listen.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
