Jazz singer, actress and civil rights advocate Abbey Lincoln died yesterday at age 80. I only recently got into Ms. Lincoln's music but I've been a fan of her film acting for a while. The first film I saw her in was, "Nothing But A Man" (1964) with Ivan Dixon. As well she starred in the film, "For Love of Ivy" (1968) with Sidney Poitier.
She also did a lot of television work in the 70's and such as guest appearances on, "All in the Family", "Marcus Welby, MD" and, "Mission Impossible".
But Abbey Lincoln was primarily known as one of the great jazz singers of all-time. Ms. Lincoln leaves us with some of the greatest jazz vocals ever recorded.
Anna Marie Wooldridge in a 1956 Jet Magazine appearance before she became professionally known as Abbey LincolnRead more about Abbey Lincoln here
10 comments:
Before I'd acquired a taste for jazz, I knew her only as an actress who didn't work nearly enough. Loved her in "Nothing But a Man" & "For Love of Ivy." She projected a sustained black dignity that perfectly suited Mr. Poitier's.
THEN... when I heard her sing. OMG! She stood as a quiet revoluntionary alongside Max Roach & both their contributions are already legendary. Just listen to The Freedom Suite! Enough said.
I saw her only once. She attended & performed @ Jimmy Scott's 80th birthday celebration concert @ the Blue Note just a few years back. Like some anonited Jazz Queen, she had such a stately, regal bearing that I just sat there in AWE of her.
As a singer/songwriter, Abbey Lincoln's composition of the song "Bird Alone" was beyond BRILLIANT! Such profoundly lonely poetry w/in it & yet it's also the song of a survivor. Her vocal style was definitely Billie-esque in mood, but even more plaintive. Something about her performances clung to you & haunted on the skin long after she stopped singing.
So sad right now.
We had never LOST someone very special... but Heaven has gained another imperial songtress in its already magnificent choir!
RIP, Ms. Lincoln.
One Love.
Beautiful voice! She was also very outspoken and to the point. RIP
@Lin
I can't believe that I had never heard of The Freedom Suite until yesterday! From what I've heard it's a masterpiece. I'm def going to listen to it.
Yeah she def had acting skills. She will be missed.
@Desertflower
I was just reading about her outspokenness. She was a multi-layered woman indeed.
i watched that movie nothing but a man just recently. RIP
@Daij
I have that film on dvd. I think I'll watch it again this week. I think I'm also going to buy For Love of Ivy too.
RIP to a legend and a class act!
@Jason
Class act indeed!
Oh my goodness! Have to make a shirt to honor her!!!
@Nellie
That would be nice. I can't wait to see it.
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