American singer, guitarist, songwriter, and human rights activist, who was an important figure in the American folk music revival of the 1950s and '60s.
b. December 31, 1930 (Birmingham, AL, USA)
d. December 2, 2008 (New York City, NY, USA)
Her musical repertoire consisted largely of American folk music, blues, jazz, and spirituals. She was an important influence on many musicians including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Mavis Staples, Harry Belafonte, Carly Simon and Janis Joplin.