Lead Belly
Back to the Biographies
Huddie William Ledbetter, "Lead Belly"
(January 21, 1885 – December 6, 1949)
Leadbelly's story was just like any other Blues man's, but better. He was first recorded by the legendary Alan Lomax, escaped one prison, with his guitar he played his way out of another, killed a man, got shot, stabbed and the like. And in the meantime, he managed to be a powerful, driving force on a twelve string guitar, his favorite instrument, though he played many. His first instrument was the accordion, next the harmonica, then the guitar, mandolin, piano, then finally the 12 string he was most known for. He played with Blind Lemon Jefferson for a while, before traveling with John Lomax, Alan's father, for some time, recording and driving. Towards the end of his life, he made his way to New York City, where he played a major part in what would later be the folk revival of the 60s.
Leadbelly had several noteworthy songs, including "Midnight Special" and "The Rock Island Line", which were not original, but his versions were by far the most popular. Leadbelly's version of "Midnight Special" was first recorded by John Lomax at Angola Prison in July, 1934 and has been re-recorded numerous times. "Rock Island Line" began life (presumably) as an Arkansas work song. Leadbelly recorded his version in 1937, and as time progressed it actually became quite popular. It's been covered a number of times, but Leadbelly's has been the most popular.
Note: More information on these songs can be found in Long Steel Rail: The Railroad in American Folksong by Norm Cohen, which much of the above two songs' information was derived from.
He even took his Blues across the pond to give Englanders some of their first tastes of Blues. It was the British clamoring for the Blues which started a craze that eventually gave birth to greats like Led Zepplin, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones. He directly touched a variety of facets of music, both during and after his death. Kurt Kobain named Leadbelly as a huge influence, and, shortly before his death, announced his intention of recording an album of Leadbelly covers. Pearl Jam made an iconic tribute supposedly to Leadbelly with their song "Yellow Ledbetter".
Notable songs by Leadbelly
Where Did You Sleep Last Night
Goodnight Irene
Rock Island Line
Midnight Special
Notable Books on Leadbelly
The Life And Legend Of Leadbelly by Charles Wolfe and Kip Lornell
