Odetta Sings the Ballad for Americans and Other American Ballads

by Odetta

Odetta Sings the Ballad for Americans and Other American Ballads cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 1960
  • Label: Vanguard
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 34:56
  • Community rating: 3.23/5 from 2 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Featuring a powerful rendition of Earl Robinson's iconic patriotic cantata alongside a backing choir, the acclaimed folk singer brings immense gravitas to the American historical songbook. The second half of the program strips back the orchestration, allowing her commanding contralto and acoustic guitar to tackle traditional prison songs and spirituals. The release effectively bridges formalized classical ambition with raw, grassroots Americana.

Genres

Descriptors: Ballad, Folk

Tracklist

  1. Ballad for Americans (11:41)
  2. This Land (2:18)
  3. Old Smoky (3:00)
  4. Hush Little Baby . (1:30)
  5. Dark as a Dungeon (4:19)
  6. Great Historical Bum (1:56)
  7. Payday at Coal Creek (3:28)
  8. Going Home (2:40)
  9. Pastures of Plenty (4:00)

Credits

  • Odetta - primary artist, vocals, guitar, arranged by, adapted by
  • Robert DeCormier - conductor
  • Earl Robinson - written-by
  • John LaTouche - written-by
  • Bill Lee - bass
  • Fred Hellerman - guitar
  • Woody Guthrie - written-by
  • Traditional - written-by

More from Odetta: full discography