‘She went her own way’: the tragic and unusual life of folk singer Karen Dalton

In a new documentary, the underrated singer's life of depression, addiction and poverty is told while her incredible talents are celebrated

The outlines of the life led by singer Karen Dalton tell a heartbreaking tale. It was one scarred by consistent poverty, intermittent homelessness, bouts of depression and escalating alcohol and drug addiction, culminating in her death from Aids at 55. Yet, to Robert Yapkowitz, who co-directed a new documentary with Richard Peete titled Karen Dalton: In My Own Time, there's an inspirational element to her story. Karen was an artist who didn't compromise. She made music that she was proud of with the people she loved. And that was the focus of her life."

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