Luminaries from the folk music world honored living legend Odetta, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, with a special tribute and concert on March 24.

Odetta The World Folk Music Association’s 22nd Annual Benefit Concert, held at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College, honored the singer of folk, blues, jazz and spirituals, whose voice helped spark the flames of social justice and freedom during the height of the civil rights movement. 

Among those participating live on-stage in the festivities were David Amram, Oscar Brand, Carolyn Hester, Janis Ian, Marie Knight, Donal Leace, Madeleine Peyroux, Josh White, Jr. and Jesse Winchester.  A large TV screen beamed images of performers who were unable to attend in person – including Eric Anderson, Harry Belafonte, Bob Dylan (on whom Odetta was a major influence),Roger McGuinn, Peter, Paul & Mary, Tom Rush, Pete Seeger, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Wavy Gravy.  Film highlights of Odetta’s life and career were also screened, along with a clip from the movie “Hairspray,” in which Pia Zadora and her friends want to be like Odetta. 

Established in 1983 and based in Washington, D.C., the World Folk Music Association is a nonprofit organization that aims to help folk artists and their fans keep the light of folk music burning brightly – much as Odetta has done for more than half a century.