Leadbelly

Leadbelly (born Huddie William Ledbetter; January 29, 1885 – December 6, 1949) was an American folk musician, notable for his high, clear voice, for his forceful singing, and for his virtuosity as a twelve string guitar player.

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Leadbelly was born to Wesley and Sally Ledbetter in a plantation near Mooringsport, Louisiana, but the family moved to Leigh, Texas when he was five. It was there he received his first instrument, an accordion from his uncle, and by his early-20s, after fathering at least two children, he left home to find his living as a guitarist (and occasionally, as a labourer). His boastful spirit and penchant for the occasional skirmish sometimes led him into trouble with the law, and in 1918 was thrown into a Texas jail for the second time, this time after killing a man in a fight. He was released seven years into his thirty year sentence after writing a song appealing to Governor Pat Neff for his freedom, but in 1930 was back in prison, this time in Louisiana for attempted homicide. It was there, three years later, that he was "discovered" by musicologists John and Alan Lomax, who were enchanted by his talent, passion and singularity as a performer, and recorded hundreds of his songs on portable recording equipment for the Library of Congress.

January 29: January 29 is the 29th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 336 days remaining, (337 in leap years)....

1885: 1885 is a common year starting on Thursday....

December 6: December 6 is the 340th day (341st on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 25 days remaining....

Leadbelly related Images and Photos (experimental)

Prison Compound No. 1 Angola Louisiana Leadbelly in Foregound