Odetta was an American singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter, and a civil and human rights activist, often referred to as “The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement”. She is an important figure in the American folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s and influenced many of the key figures of the folk-revival of that time, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Mavis Staples, and Janis Joplin.

Odetta Sings is a 1970 album by Odetta, which was released in her peak years. It was recorded with a large number of well known session musicians and special guests, including Carole King on the piano who was part of The Los Angeles Band at that time. The songs are recorded at the famous Muscle Shoal Sound Studios in Sheffield, Alabama and Larabee Sound in Hollywood, California.

The album contains a significant amount of contemporary material, including work by Randy Newman, Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Elton John and the Rolling Stones. Two songs are written by Odetta herself, “Hit or Miss” and “Movin’ It On”. Odetta Sings shows how Odetta’s deep, dark, warm voice distinguishes her from other soul singers.