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abbey lincoln

Biography

Abbey Lincoln, born Anna Marie Wooldridge on August 6, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, was a renowned American jazz vocalist, songwriter, and actress. She was raised in Calvin Center, Michigan, and began her professional singing career in Los Angeles and Honolulu under various stage names before settling on Abbey Lincoln in 1956. Her debut album, Abbey Lincoln's Affair... A Story of a Girl in Love, marked the beginning of a distinguished career. Lincoln's music was deeply influenced by her involvement in the civil rights movement, particularly evident in her work with Max Roach on We Insist Freedom Now Suite (1960), a landmark protest album. She continued to explore themes of identity and social justice throughout her career. In the 1990s, Lincoln experienced a resurgence in popularity, signing with Verve Records and releasing a series of critically acclaimed albums. Her legacy as a pioneering jazz vocalist and civil rights activist remains profound. Lincoln passed away on August 14, 2010, in New York City. Her later years were marked by philosophical songwriting and continued collaboration with top jazz artists. Lincoln's impact on jazz extends beyond her music, as she paved the way for future generations of vocalists with her unique style and activism.

Fun Facts

  • Abbey Lincoln was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her role in For Love of Ivy (1968).
  • She adopted the name Aminata Moseka during a tour of Africa in the 1970s.
  • Lincoln's later work with Verve Records included a series of nine critically acclaimed albums, showcasing her philosophical songwriting.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

Key Collaborators

  • Max Roach - Husband and collaborator on We Insist Freedom Now Suite (We Insist Freedom Now Suite) [1960-1970]
  • Benny Carter - Collaborator on debut album (Abbey Lincoln's Affair... A Story of a Girl in Love) [1956]
  • Sonny Rollins - Collaborator in jazz projects (Various jazz recordings) [1960s]

Artists Influenced

  • Christian McBride - Inspiration through her work with Verve Records (None specified) [1990s]
  • Nicholas Payton - Inspiration through her work with Verve Records (None specified) [1990s]

Connection Network

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Influenced
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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Abbey Lincoln's Affair... A Story Of A Girl In Love (Expanded Edition) 1957-01-01 Album
Over The Years 2000-01-01 Album
Abbey Sings Abbey 2007-01-01 Album
Abbey Is Blue 1987-01-01 Album
Who Used To Dance 1997-01-01 Album
You Gotta Pay The Band 1991-01-01 Album
Wholly Earth 1999 Album
Abbey Sings Abbey 2007-01-01 Album
A Turtle's Dream 1995-06-06 Album
Straight Ahead (Remastered) 1961-02-22 Album
It's Magic 1958-01-01 Album
Precious & Rare: Abbey Lincoln vol.2 2012-05-02 Album
The Classic Albums 1957-1961 2024-12-06 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Lucky To Be Me (Over The Years)
  2. Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me (Abbey Lincoln's Affair... A Story Of A Girl In Love (Expanded Edition))
  3. The Masquerade Is Over (Abbey Lincoln's Affair... A Story Of A Girl In Love (Expanded Edition))
  4. This Can't Be Love (Abbey Lincoln's Affair... A Story Of A Girl In Love (Expanded Edition))
  5. Throw It Away - 2007 Abbey sings Abbey Version (Abbey Sings Abbey)
  6. Mr. Tambourine Man (Who Used To Dance)
  7. Afro Blue - Remastered 1959 (Abbey Is Blue)
  8. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise - Remastered 1959 (Abbey Is Blue)
  9. The Music Is The Magic - 2007 Abbey sings Abbey Version (Abbey Sings Abbey)
  10. Brother? Can You Spare A Dime? (You Gotta Pay The Band)

Tags: #jazz, #vocal-jazz

References

  1. arts.gov
  2. library.berklee.edu

Heard on WWOZ

abbey lincoln has been played 7 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Jan 8, 202617:43Spring Will Be A Little Late This Yearfrom Devil's Got Your TongueJazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill
Dec 31, 202516:33throw it awayfrom a turtle's dreamJazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón
Dec 11, 202517:20A CHILD IS BORNfrom Devil's Got Your TougueJazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill
Dec 7, 202516:03Laugh, Clown, Laughfrom Abbey Is BlueSitting Inw/ Elizabeth Meneray
Nov 19, 202508:12Golden Ladyfrom Abbey Lincoln: Golden LadyThe Morning Setw/ Breaux Bridges
Oct 15, 202518:44throw it awayfrom a turtle's dreamJazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón
Oct 1, 202516:19blue monkfrom straight aheadJazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón