Bob Dylan described Karen Dalton best. “She had a voice like Billie Holiday and played the guitar like Jimmy Reed.”
Part of the Greenwich Village folk scene in the 60’s, Dalton left Oklahoma, a couple children, and a husband behind to play music in New York, mostly covers, rarely her own material.
Similar to Cat Power with a unique yet limited vocal range, Dalton was a pro on the twelve string guitar and banjo. Her Cherokee heritage, world-weary voice, and missing teeth make her one of my very favorite personal style icons. I particularly love this video. Her outfit here is the ultimate.
Meeting little commercial success during her own time, Dalton remains highly celebrated in my own heart.
Go Forth Fellow Travelers.
With Sincerity,
Your Older Sister
western daughter 