Karen Dalton is often cited as one of the most original and affecting vocalists of her time. It’s true. The sound of her voice and the way she used it communicated emotions that are difficult to put into words. But beyond the phrasing and the melodies, there’s something else that inhabited everything she did: her life and music were saturated with a resistance to conformity. Some say this is what held her back, but to us it’s as important to her legacy as the music itself. It’s inspiring. This playlist is meant to embody that spirit. It’s a tribute to the artists who give a shit about what they create.
Robert Yapkowitz and Richard Peete are New York-based filmmakers, and their debut feature documentary, Karen Dalton: In My Own Time, is in theaters October 1 and on digital platforms November 16