The Legendary Lead Belly: King of the Twelve-String Guitar
Introduction
Huddie Ledbetter, who was famously recognized as Lead Belly (aka Leadbelly) emerged as an impactful figure, within the realm of folk and blues music during the 20th century. Lead Belly gained fame for his skills, on the 12 string guitar and his vocal style. He became well known for popularizing folk songs such as “Goodnight Irene ” “The Midnight Special,” and “The Rock Island Line” to a range of listeners. In this article we will delve into Lead Belly’s background his enduring impact on music and the reasons why he continues to be regarded as a figure, in musical history.
Lead Belly was born Huddie William Ledbetter in January 1888, near Mooringsport, Louisiana. From early childhood, he was immersed in the musical traditions of the Deep South. His uncle Terrell introduced him to the accordion and guitar, and by his teens Lead Belly was a popular performer at local dance halls and “juke joints.”
However, Lead Belly also had frequent brushes with the law. In 1915, he was convicted of assault and spent time in prisons like the notorious Angola State Prison, where he soaked up work songs, field hollers, and other musical forms. After his release, folklorists John and Alan Lomax discovered Lead Belly in 1933 and brought him north to record hundreds of songs for the Library of Congress.
How did Lead Belly get his famous nickname?
The origins of the name “Lead Belly” are murky, but the musician was said to boast that he could “drink a pint of moonshine and not lead it settle.” His ability to “hold his liquor” may have inspired the nickname that stuck.
What were some of Lead Belly’s most famous songs?
- “Goodnight Irene” – This wistful ballad brought Lead Belly fame in the late ’40s. A version by The Weavers topped the charts.
- “The Midnight Special” – Lead Belly learned this folk tune in prison. It became a popular singalong at his shows.
- “The Rock Island Line” – A train song that was later covered by Lonnie Donegan and Johnny Cash.
- “Cotton Fields” – Evocative song about life working as a sharecropper. Recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival.
- “Bourgeois Blues” – Lead Belly’s protest of the discrimination he faced. An early civil rights anthem.
How did Lead Belly change folk and blues music?
Lead Belly’s extraordinary talent with the twelve-string guitar and his experimentation with different tunings revolutionized musical possibilities. Through his skilled playing and soulful vocals, he brought an unparalleled authenticity to a wide array of genres, including work songs, field hollers, prison songs, and country blues. Musicians like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Brownie McGhee saw Lead Belly as a wellspring of American music and a protégé.
The Smithsonian Folkways Collection
Moe Asch, who said he recorded Lead Belly extensively for his Asch, Disc, and Folkways labels for a period of about 20 years. However, the author of the book accompanying the five-disc box set Lead Belly – The Smithsonian Folkways Collection states that it was actually 8 years long. This discrepancy between what is stated in this book and what has been previously known comes from an audio transcription which was only newly available to us now in this set reissued from a transcriptions record. In 1941 when he answered a question on how many songs he knew on radio show Lead belly said he knew 500 Songs
What difficulties did Lead Belly face in his lifetime?
Despite his talent, Lead Belly faced poverty and racism throughout his career. He struggled to support his family and gain royalties from his songs. The segregation and prejudice of the early 20th century meant Lead Belly wasn’t fully embraced in the mainstream music world while alive.
In 1918, he was involved in a deadly clash that took place in Dallas and resulted in the loss of an individual’s life. As a result, he was sentenced to thirty years in the state penitentiary situated in Huntsville, Texas. Moving ahead to 1925, he composed a song directly pleading with Governor Pat Neff for mercy. In a surprising turn of events, Governor Neff went back on his previous pledge to never grant pardons and set Huddie Ledbetter free from imprisonment. Later he arrested for attempted homicide in 1930 and was sent to the notorious Angola Prison, the state penitentiary of Louisiana
How was Lead Belly rediscovered after his death?
Though famous in folk circles, Lead Belly’s work languished in obscurity for years. However, in the 1950s, a new generation was electrified by his music. Bands like Creedence and Led Zeppelin covered Lead Belly, bringing him long-overdue recognition.
Why does Lead Belly matter today?
In recognition of his significant impact on the music industry, Lead Belly was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
Lead Belly’s electrifying live performances left an indelible mark on the music landscape, shaping genres like rock, folk, and the blues. His unique talent and magnetic personality.
Here are some key things to remember about the legendary Lead Belly:
- Born Huddie Ledbetter in 1888, gained the nickname “Lead Belly” for his drinking prowess
- Master of the 12-string guitar and pioneer of alternate tunings
- Discovered by John and Alan Lomax while in prison, who recorded his songs
- Important figure in blues, folk, and the development of rock music
- Wrote classics like “Goodnight Irene,” “The Midnight Special,” and “The Rock Island Line”
- Faced poverty and racism throughout his career
- Powerfully influenced later musicians and found wider fame after his death
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008
- Remains renowned for his highly influential songs and guitar playing
Lead Belly packed a world of musical history and innovation into his songs. His incredible talent on 12-string guitar and his gravelly, evocative voice made him a legend. Lead Belly’s legacy lives on whenever one of his iconic tunes is played or sung. Though his career was short, Lead Belly reshaped American music in profound ways that still resonate today.
Q: Who was Lead Belly?
A: Lead Belly, also known as Huddie Ledbetter, was a legendary American folk and blues musician. He was born on January 20, 1888, in Mooringsport, Louisiana. In 1935, Ledbetter married Louisiana native Martha Promise. Sadly, he passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease in New York City on December 6 , 1949. He was laid to rest at Shiloh Baptist Church, located north of Shreveport in Louisiana.
Q: What kind of guitar did Lead Belly play?
A: Lead Belly played a 12-string guitar, which became his signature instrument. He was often referred to as the King of the 12-String Guitar.
Q: When did Lead Belly record his music?
A: Lead Belly began recording his music in the 1930s. His first recording session took place in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1933.
Q: What is the significance of the “Midnight Special” in Lead Belly’s career?
A: “The Midnight Special” is one of Lead Belly’s most famous songs. It gained popularity after he recorded it in 1934 and became known as his signature song.
Q: What is the Library of Congress connection with Lead Belly?
A: Lead Belly’s music gained recognition and preservation through his association with the Library of Congress. In 1934, John Lomax, a folklorist, and his son Alan Lomax, recorded Lead Belly’s performances for the Library of Congress archive.
Q: When was Lead Belly’s most famous recording session for the Library of Congress?
A: Lead Belly’s most famous recording session for the Library of Congress took place in 1934. He recorded over 40 songs during this session.
Q: What is the Lead Belly Foundation?
A: The Lead Belly Foundation is an organization dedicated to preserving the musical legacy of Lead Belly. It was established in 2012 by his niece Martha Promise.
Q: Which record label released Lead Belly’s music?
A: Lead Belly’s music was released by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. They have a comprehensive collection of his songs.
Q: Who are some notable artists influenced by Lead Belly?
A: Lead Belly’s music inspired many artists, including Blind Lemon Jefferson, Sonny Terry, and Walter Boyd.
Q: Is Lead Belly inducted into any music hall of fame?
A: Yes, Lead Belly was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. He received this honor posthumously in 2008.
