Odetta, House of the Rising Sun

Cafe Society
1

I just heard a performance of “House of the Rising Sun” by a blues singer named Odetta on A Prairie Home Companion It was a really moving rendition.

My question is for anyone, but especially those who have heard both the PHC performance and the recorded version I can buy from itunes. The question is, is the recorded version as effective and moving as the performance I just heard?

In the PHC performance, she does two or three of the verses solo–no accompaniment. Is this the case in the recorded version as well?

Thanks,

-Kris

2

If anyone’s curious, I found a video of her performing the song on Youtube. My favorite part of the performance begins at 2:23.

-FrL-

3

Odetta played here not too long ago. I really wanted to go but couldn’t. It was a real pity. I was blown away by her power when I saw her do this.

The power is probably all but gone but the passion remains. In her day though that woman sang with POWER.

4

Saw her sing about six years ago. At least then, the power was, I’d say, about 70% there, which surprised me, too.

P.S. I love her “Saro Jane” and “Another Man Done Gone” from that early-'60’s concert recording.

5

I just bought tickets to see Odetta!! She’ll be coming here in January. She’ll be backed by a gospel choir. I was surprised to see that she was still around. She was a huge influence on Dylan and Joan Baez and many of the other folkies who came of age in the early 60’s.

6

She’s a national treasure.

7

Here’s the Animals performing it in the 60’s.