| Abbey Lincoln | |
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Abbey Lincoln in concert, 1992 |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Anna Marie Wooldridge |
| Born | August 6, 1930 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | August 14, 2010 (aged 80) Manhattan, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, actress, civil rights activist |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1956–2007 |
| Labels | Riverside, Verve |
Anna Marie Wooldridge (August 6, 1930 – August 14, 2010),[1] better known by her stage name Abbey Lincoln, was a jazz vocalist, songwriter, and actress. Lincoln was unusual in that she wrote and performed her own compositions, expanding the expectations of jazz audiences.
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Lincoln was one of many singers influenced by Billie Holiday. She often could be found at the Blue Note in New York City.[2] Her debut album ''Abbey Lincoln's Affair – A Story of a Girl in Love was followed by a series of albums for Riverside Records. In 1960 she sang on Max Roach's landmark civil rights-themed recording, We Insist! – Freedom Now Suite.[3] Lincoln's lyrics were often connected to the civil rights movement in America.
During the 1980s, Lincoln's creative output was lesser; she releases only a few albums during that decade. During 1990s until her death, however, she fulfilled a 10-album contract with Verve Records. These albums are highly regarded and represent a crowning achievement in Lincoln's career. Devil's Got Your Tongue (1992) featured Rodney Kendrick, Grady Tate, J. J. Johnson, Stanley Turrentine, Babatunde Olatunji and The Staple Singers, among others.
In 2003, she received the National Endowment for the Arts NEA Jazz Masters Award.[4][5]
With Ivan Dixon, she co-starred in Nothing But a Man, an independent film written and directed by Michael Roemer. She also co-starred with Sidney Poitier and Beau Bridges in 1968's For Love of Ivy,[6] and received a 1969 Golden Globe nomination for her appearance in the film.
Lincoln also appeared in the 1956 film The Girl Can't Help It, for which she famously wore a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in Gentleman Prefer Blondes and interpreted the theme song, working with Benny Carter.[6]
In the 1990 Spike Lee movie Mo' Better Blues, she played young Bleek Gilliams' mother.[7]
Lincoln was married to drummer Max Roach from 1962 to 1970. Roach's daughter from a previous marriage, Maxine, has appeared on several of Lincoln's albums.
Lincoln died on August 14, 2010 in Manhattan at the age of 80. Her death was announced by her brother, David Wooldridge, who told the New York Times that Lincoln had died in her Manhattan nursing home after suffering deteriorating health for years following open heart surgery in 2007. No cause of death was officially given. She was cremated and her ashes were scattered.[8]