Karen Dalton | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Karen J. Cariker |
Born |
Enid, Oklahoma, United States |
July 19, 1937
Died | March 19, 1993 , United States |
(aged 55)
Genres | Country blues, jazz |
Occupation(s) | Vocalist, guitarist, banjoist |
Instruments | Vocals, guitar, banjo |
Years active | 1960s–1990s |
Karen J. Dalton (born Karen J. Cariker; July 19, 1937 – March 19, 1993) was a Cherokee folk blues singer, guitarist, and banjo player. She was associated with the early 1960s Greenwich Village folk music scene, particularly with Fred Neil, the Holy Modal Rounders, and Bob Dylan.
Dalton was born Karen Jean Cariker in Enid, Oklahoma. Her bluesy, world-weary voice is often compared to jazz singer Billie Holiday, though Dalton said Bessie Smith was a greater influence. She sang blues, folk, country, pop, Motown—making over each song in her own style. She played the twelve string guitar and a long neck banjo.
Dalton's first album, It's So Hard to Tell Who's Going to Love You the Best (Capitol, 1969), was re-released by Koch Records on CD in 1996. Dalton's second album, In My Own Time (1971), was recorded at Bearsville Studios and originally released by promoter Michael Lang's label, Just Sunshine Records. The album was produced and arranged by Harvey Brooks, who played bass on it. Piano player Richard Bell guested on In My Own Time. Its liner notes were written by Fred Neil and its cover photos were taken by Elliott Landy.