Whilst no doubt influenced by Billie Holiday, as were many female singers of her generation, Abbey Lincoln was a unique enough vocalist to have made her own mark on the music scene. The singer, writer, actress and civil rights advocate made a mark on just about every arena upon which she stepped. Straight Ahead was Abbeys fifth solo album and her first after being lured to Candid Records. She had already been prominently featured on husband Max Roachs We Insist album in 1960, with Straight Ahead appearing the following year. With an excellent crew of musicians and some inspired song choices, Straight Ahead thoroughly deserves its reputation as one of the greatest of her recordings.