Huddie William Ledbetter, known as Lead Belly, was a towering figure in the folk and blues music scenes of the early 20th century, whose life and music continue to captivate audiences decades after his passing. Born on January 20, 1888, in Mooringsport, Louisiana, Lead Belly's journey as a musician took shape amidst the trials of the American South's Jim Crow era. His dexterity with the twelve-string guitar, along with his rich, resonant voice, allowed him to articulate the experiences and struggles of his life and times through song.

Lead Belly's repertoire spanned a remarkable breadth of American music, including blues, folk, gospel, and work songs, many of which he learned or refined during his tumultuous life that included multiple incarcerations—a reflection of the harsh realities for a Black man in the South at that time. His music served as a conduit for the raw narratives of Southern life, with his recordings such as "Midnight Special" and "Goodnight, Irene" reaching iconic status and influencing generations of musicians. Despite dying on December 6, 1949, Lead Belly's legacy endures; his works continue to be celebrated and rediscovered through remastered collections like "The Authorized Leadbelly Collection," "Folkways: The Original Vision," and posthumous releases that bring his impassioned performances to new audiences in ever-evolving musical landscapes.

Genres

Acoustic Blues

Blues

Country Blues

Delta Blues

Texas Blues

Traditional Blues

Related Artists

Muddy Waters

Pete Seeger

Woody Guthrie

Lightnin' Hopkins

Big Bill Broonzy

Robert Johnson

Sonny Terry

Brownie McGhee

Mississippi John Hurt

Johnny Cash

Bob Dylan

Son House

Latest Release

Where Did You Sleep Last Night? (2023 Remastered) [Acapella] - Single

Lead Belly

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released May 22, 2023