Cecelia Otto

Cecelia "Cece" Otto is a classically trained singer, composer, historian, and international best-selling author who has performed in venues worldwide as both a soloist and in ensembles.1 She is the creator and performer of An American Songline, an ongoing project dedicated to preserving and sharing American history through unique, experiential musical performances.12

Career Highlights

In 2013, Otto completed a cross-country musical journey called An American Songline, performing 30 concerts of historic vintage music at venues along the Lincoln Highway.16 This project combined her passions for singing, composing, and traveling, while also exploring the rich history of American roads and highways.1

Following the success of her Lincoln Highway program, Otto developed other historical concert programs, including:

• The Songs of World War I
• A program about the women's suffrage movement
• A concert program about Prohibition1

Background and Expertise

Born in small-town Minnesota, Otto grew up in a house filled with music and gave her first public performance at the age of eight.3 Her classical training and experience in opera auditions eventually led her to create the concept of a "singing travelogue," which became the foundation for An American Songline.1

Otto's work involves extensive research using archives and historical resources to uncover and revive vintage songs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.1 She not only performs these songs but also provides historical context, creating an immersive experience that educates and entertains audiences of all ages.1

Publications and Recordings

Otto has written books and recorded albums based on her research, including:

• A companion booklet to her album "An American Songline: The Songs of World War I"4
• A book titled "An American Songline: A Musical Journey Along the Lincoln Highway"5
• Albums such as "Prohibition: 90 Years of Temperance, Temptation and Song" and "An American Songline: The Songs of World War I"7

Cecelia "Cece" Otto continues to tour the United States with her various historical music programs, bringing America's musical heritage to life for contemporary audiences.18