Born: August 6, 1930
Died: August 14, 2010
Vocalist / composer Abbey Lincoln blends the roots qualities of a folk singer with the jazz-inspired sensibilities of Billie Holiday. Born in Chicago on Aug. 6, 1930, she was one of 12 children. Lincoln grew up on a farm in Michigan, eventually moving to Kalamazoo with her mother, where she began performing in high school and in a local band.
She moved to California, and became a professional musician there and in Hawaii, using the name Anna Marie. She became Abbey Lincoln at a certain point, and recorded her first album, with the help of Benny Carter. From there, she met Max Roach, whom she married for the period 1962-'70. She recorded her own albums as well as those with Roach. It was during this time that Lincoln started composing music, most often written around social themes. She also started acting. She received another name, Aminata Moseka, which she used professionally.
Lincoln has remained active since the '80s, working with a number of younger jazz musicians, recorded and touring internationally. Her legacy as a significant jazz singer has been furthered by important recordings for Verve in the 1990s.
Recordings include: A Turtle's Dream (Verve, 1995), The World Is Falling Down (Verve), People In Me (Verve, 1993), When There Is Love (Verve, 1992), Abbey Sings Billie (Enja, 1990), Straight Ahead (Candid, 1961), Abbey Is Blue (OJC, 1959), Affair (Capitol Jazz, 1956).
—John Ephland
Source: ~www.downbeat.com
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