Wonder Woman of the Week: Odetta

This week's Wonder Woman earned the nickname "Queen of American Folk Music" for her work in recording African-American folk songs and revolutionizing the American music industry to open opportunities for African-American musicians- particularly for women. Odetta Holmes grew up in Mobile, Alabama and studies at Los Angeles City College before beginning her music career. At her height in the early 1960's, Odetta became a prominent figure in the African-American Civil Rights movement, working with both political figures (like Martin Luther King Jr.) and musical figures (like Harry Belafonte).

Odetta intermingled her music career with appearances in film and television as an actress- but her main passion was for music. After Martin Luther King Jr. dubbed her the "Queen of American Folk Music," Odetta went on to find massive success in the industry. During the 1970's and 80's, the artist performed with several choirs, orchestras, and music festivals. In the 1990's President Bill Clinton awarded Odetta an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Just before her death in 2008, Odetta went on one final tour in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Her presence summons crowds in the thousands at each evert- especially on the California leg of the tour. During her life however, Odetta influenced countless musicians. Both Harry Belafonte and Bob Dylan credit Odetta with their desire to perform folk music. Joan Baez (a fellow Wonder Woman of the Week) called the musician a "goddess" and Janis Joplin spoke about her childhood listening to Odetta's music nearly non-stop.