A few weeks ago, I was driving to work listening to Accuradio. I had the folk music channel going, just cruising along with the bucka-pucka banjos, nasal harmonies, and protest songs of various eras, when I heard this voice. The voice was singing “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands.” The song had been part of my childhood growing up in the ’60s–but not like this, oh, not like this.
The voice belonged to Odetta.
Nothing would do but I must find a metaphor for that voice. One Sentence Poems was gracious enough to publish it in their May 28, 2019 edition: “On First Hearing Odetta.”
Do you think I came close?
Elizabeth Gauffreau 
Oh, I think you’er close. . . . and Odetta. . . what a voice she had and what a woman she was. Andi Cumbo-Floyd http://www.andilit.com — http://www.godswhisperfarm.com Facebook — Twitter — LinkedIn
On Wed, May 29, 2019 at 10:02 AM Elizabeth Gauffreau wrote:
> Liz Gauffreau posted: “A few weeks ago, I was driving to work listening to > Accuradio. I had the folk music channel going, just cruising along with the > bucka-pucka banjos, nasal harmonies, and protest songs of various eras, > when I heard this voice. The voice was singing “He’s Go” >
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Andi. I wish I’d discovered her when she was still alive.
LikeLike
Thank you for the reminder about Odetta’s great gift.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. That voice was indeed a gift.
LikeLike
You nailed it, Liz! Your poem is sparse and to the point. You’ve told the reader exactly how this marvelous voice sounds in just a few, well-chosen words.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Becky!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, and congratulations!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Angela!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, Liz! Beautiful share.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Bette!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness! Yes, you’ve pegged it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Eilene!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, you did great…and Congratulations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Valerie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! Simple, yet powerful. Congratulations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ron!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your short poem and it fits so well that amazing voice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for listening, reading, and commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A immense voice that enfolds us. I think you very close!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, her voice enfolds us!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! Your blog has been included in INTERESTING BLOGS in FRIDAY FOSSICKING at
https://thatmomentintime-crissouli.blogspot.com/2019/05/friday-fossicking-may-31st-2019.html
Thank you, Chris
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Chris!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Both the music and the sentence were spot-on perfect. What gifts! Thank you, Liz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Ranee! I’m glad you enjoyed them.
LikeLike
Wow! A great song that I remember well as a child, and an even greater voice. Thank you, Liz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Jennie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Liz, a poignant, exceptionally written poem. A very defining piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Lance!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A sincere pleasure, Liz!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know that song. Wonder how, not so many records arrived in our remote places in Africa. There was a lot of lending and swapping. And our friends at the American Embassy usually had the latest hits… 🙂
But I seem to recall another interpreter… Did Joan Baez sing it?
(Thanks for the post)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not sure. I wouldn’t be surprised if she did. It was a big part of 1960s culture in the US, particularly in the context of the Civil Rights movement.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Didn’t find her, found Peter, Paul & Mary, now that rings a bell… God, where have they all gone? We need them back, and new singers to pick up the fight. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Give a listen to Eric Bogle in this post from Reflections of an Untidy Mind: https://reflectionsofanuntidymind.blog/2019/06/29/standing-up-for-peace/#more-3854. I think he fits the bill.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
We sang this song in our little Aussie choir. Odette has a beautiful soulful voice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, she does. It’s good to hear that the song is still being sung.
LikeLiked by 1 person