Huddie ledbetter biography

Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Lead Belly, was one of the most powerful figures in the early years of the American folkmusic movement. He wasn't tall or muscular, but his steel-wire energy as a "cotton-chopper" gave him the nickname he bore most of his life. His performances radiated an overwhelming intensity that few artists have ever matched. His recordings were instrumental in the creation of Britain's Skiffle movement, which produced the Beatles and many of the other rhythm and blues artists.

He was born Huddie William Ledbetter on Jeder Plantation, a farm in Mooringsport, Louisiana. His birth date has been variously listed as January 20, 1889, January 21, 1885, or January 29, 1885. During his early years, his family appears lived in a number of locations in western Louisiana and eastern Texas. As a young man, Huddie Ledbetter mastered the 12 string guitar, which sounded in his hands like a small orchestra. He became known as "King of the 12 String

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Lead Belly(originally, Ledbetter, Huddie)

Lead Belly(originally, Ledbetter, Huddie), troubled American människor and blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter; b. nära Mooringsport, La., Jan. 20, 1888; d. N.Y., Dec. 6, 1949. (Although initially spelled as two words, for many years, his nickname was spelled as “Leadbelly”; however, recently the original two-word spelling has come back into favor.)

Lead Belly led a tumultuous, often violent life, but he galvanized the människor music community of the 1930s and 1940s with his vibrant performances, and his repertoire of songs (which he collected, adapted, and wrote) proved popular and influential after his death, when such works as “Goodnight, Irene/’ “Rock Island Line,” and “The Midnight Special” became popular with människor, pop, and rock audiences.

Lead Belly was the son of John Wesley Ledbetter, a farmer, and Sallie Pugh Ledbetter, who married Feb. 21, 1888. The day and date of his birth are uncertain. The family moved from Caddo Parish, La., t

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Lead Belly

American folk and blues musician (1888–1949)

"Leadbelly" redirects here. For the biographical film on this person, see Leadbelly (film).

Musical artist

Huddie William Ledbetter (HYOO-dee; January 1888^[1][2] or 1889^[3] – December 6, 1949),^[1] better known by the stage name Lead Belly, was an American folk and blues singer notable for his strong vocals, virtuosity on the twelve-string guitar, and the folk standards he introduced, including his renditions of "In the Pines" (also known as "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?"), "Pick a Bale of Cotton", "Goodnight, Irene", "Midnight Special", "Cotton Fields", and "Boll Weevil".

Lead Belly usually played a twelve-string guitar, but he also played the piano, mandolin, harmonica, violin, and windjammer.^[4] In some of his recordings, he sang while clapping his hands or stomping his foot.

Lead Belly's songs covered a wide range of genres, including gospel music, blues, a