The Soul Corner - Odetta; and Denise Sullivan book Keep On Pushing

In Keep on Pushing, Black Power Music From Blues to Hip-Hop, her outstanding book from 2011, Denise Sullivan writes of Odetta: "She was a champion of life, and she sang as if she'd die for her people."
Soul music is a uniquely American mixture of blues, folk, country and rock'n'roll, and a deep dive into the black American experience at a critical time in history. I write it about here every week because I am so drawn to these voices.  
And few voices are more powerful and soulful than Odetta's, here doing the classic "Midnight Special":

One more you know but few can sing "House of the Rising Sun" with this much deep soul:

Denise Sullivan's book is a great read, and a terrific history for those who wanting to get behind the music and read about the political power of the songs and performers of the Civil Rights era and up to the present day. Everyone from James Brown, Len Chandler, Gil Scott-Heron, Marvin Gaye, Richie Havens, Jimi Hendrix to Public Enemy is discussed.
You can read more about and purchase Keep On Pushing here: Denise Sullivan Keep On Pushing