Odetta

Singer-songwriter and actress, 'Odetta Sings Folk Songs'

Odetta - Singer-songwriter and actress, 'Odetta Sings Folk Songs'
Born

December 31st, 1930
94 years ago

Died

December 2nd, 2008
16 years ago — 77 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

Born in 1930, this American singer-songwriter and guitarist significantly influenced the folk music revival of the 1960s. Renowned for a deep, powerful voice, performances included a mix of traditional spirituals and folk songs. An accomplished actress, appearances included roles in stage productions and television programs. Contributions to the civil rights movement were emphasized through music, rallying audiences with powerful anthems. Discography included numerous albums, with 'Odetta Sings Folk Songs' being particularly celebrated, showcasing a blend of genres and themes that resonated widely.

Released the album 'Odetta Sings Folk Songs'

Performed at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963

Appeared on television shows such as 'The Ed Sullivan Show'

Other People Born on December 31st

Horacio Quiroga

Uruguayan-Argentinian author of short stories
Born
December 31st, 1878 146 years ago
Died
1937 88 years ago — 59 years old

An author, poet, and playwright, this individual contributed significantly to Latin American literature. Often regarded as a master of the short story form, he drew inspiration from his experiences in the Misiones jungle. His works frequently explored themes of nature, death, and the human condition. This individual faced a tumultuous personal life, marked by tragedy, which deeply influenced his writing. Notable works include a collection of stories titled 'Cuentos de la Selva' and the short story 'La Muerte de Isolda'. This individual's narrative style and psychological depth positioned them as a pivotal figure in the development of modern short fiction.

Continue Reading

Jesse Carlson

American baseball player, MLB pitcher
Born
December 31st, 1980 44 years ago

A professional baseball player, established a career primarily as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Played for the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Mets during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Appeared in 66 MLB games, showcasing talent in both starting and relief roles. Contributed to team efforts in regular season games as well as in high-pressure situations.

Continue Reading

Jacques Cartier

French explorer for New France and Canada
Born
December 31st, 1491 533 years ago
Died
September 1st, 1557 467 years ago — 65 years old

A French navigator and explorer played a crucial role in the early exploration of Canada. In 1534, he made his first voyage across the Atlantic and claimed the land in the name of France. He explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence and established contact with Indigenous peoples, notably the St. Lawrence Iroquoian tribes. Cartier's expeditions laid the groundwork for future French colonization in North America. His work contributed significantly to mapping the region, including the St. Lawrence River and the vicinity of present-day Quebec.

Continue Reading

Shandon Anderson

Basketball player, NBA champion
Born
December 31st, 1973 51 years ago

Played professional basketball in the NBA from 1996 to 2005. Primarily recognized for contributions to the Miami Heat and the Utah Jazz. Was part of the Heat team that won the NBA Championship in 2006. Excelled as a shooting guard and small forward, known for versatility on the court.

Continue Reading

Barry Hughes

Welsh football manager and player
Born
December 31st, 1937 87 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 82 years old

A footballer and manager, played as a winger and had a career that spanned several clubs. Transitioned into management, leading various teams in the Welsh and English leagues. Achieved notable success at clubs such as Wrexham, where he guided the team to promotion and other competitive finishes. Developed a reputation for improving team performance and player development throughout managerial career.

Continue Reading

Katie Volynets

Professional tennis player with ATP ranking
Born
December 31st, 2001 23 years ago

Professional tennis player achieved significant success at a young age. Competed in various tournaments around the globe. Won the USTA Girls' 18 National Championships in 2018. Gained attention in professional circuits through her performance and potential, securing a spot in the WTA rankings.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 2nd

Jay Gould

Businessman and financier known for railroads
Born
May 27th, 1836 188 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1892 132 years ago — 56 years old

Gould was an American businessman and financier who gained prominence in the 19th century. He became one of the most influential figures in the railroad industry, known for consolidating and controlling multiple railroads across the United States. His aggressive tactics in finance and business often led to controversy. Gould's most significant achievements include the acquisition of the Erie Railroad and the development of several other key rail lines, which played a crucial role in the expansion of the American transportation network. He was instrumental in the financial organization of railroads during a time of rapid industrial growth.

Continue Reading

Elizabeth Hardwick

Literary critic and novelist with 'Sleepless Nights'
Born
July 27th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2007 17 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1916, a prominent American literary critic, novelist, and short story writer. Contributed to various publications including 'The New York Review of Books'. Authored several novels and essays, often exploring themes of identity and society. Achieved recognition for 'Sleepless Nights', a semi-autobiographical novel examining life, love, and the complexities of modern existence. Also involved in feminist literary criticism, providing insight into the works of contemporaries and earlier authors. Sustained a lasting influence on the literary landscape through critique and promotion of both established and emerging writers.

Continue Reading

Israel Vázquez

Professional Boxer with multiple titles
Born
December 25th, 1977 47 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2024 0 years ago — 46 years old

Started boxing at a young age and gained attention in the flyweight division. Won the WBC Super Bantamweight title and had memorable bouts against Rafael Marquez, including their trilogy of fights. Significant career accomplishments include notable wins and a reputation for exciting fights. Retired after a successful career, leaving a legacy in the sport.

Continue Reading

Louis des Balbes de Berton de Crillon

French general during the Thirty Years' War
Born
1541 484 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1615 409 years ago — 74 years old

Served as a prominent general in the French army during the early 17th century. Achieved recognition for military strategies and engagements throughout the Thirty Years' War. Commanded French troops in various battles, playing a crucial role in the conflicts that defined the era. His leadership contributed to several significant victories.

Continue Reading

L. E. J. Brouwer

Mathematician and philosopher
Born
February 27th, 1881 144 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1966 58 years ago — 85 years old

A Dutch mathematician and philosopher, significant contributions were made to topology, fixed-point theorems, and mathematical intuitionism. Developed the Brouwer Fixed Point Theorem, foundational in topology, which states that any continuous function mapping a compact convex set to itself has at least one fixed point. Brouwer's work in intuitionism challenged classical mathematics by arguing that mathematics is a creation of the mind, advocating for a more constructivist approach. Served as a professor at the University of Amsterdam, influencing a generation of mathematicians and philosophers through both teaching and academic writing.

Continue Reading

Helmut Duckadam

Romanian football goalkeeper, European Champion
Born
April 1st, 1959 65 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2024 0 years ago — 65 years old

Played as a goalkeeper for several Romanian clubs, most notably Steaua Bucharest. Gained international recognition after being instrumental in Steaua Bucharest's victory in the 1986 European Cup final against Barcelona, saving two penalty kicks during the shootout. Represented Romania at the national level, contributing to the team's efforts in international competitions.

Continue Reading