Lead Belly

Huddie William Ledbetter, known as Lead Belly, was one of the most powerful and versatile musicians in American history, possessing an encyclopedic repertoire that encompassed blues, folk, spirituals, work songs, cowboy songs, and popular ballads. His thunderous twelve-string guitar playing and stentorian voice were matched by a turbulent life that included two prison terms for murder and assault, from which he was released in part through the advocacy of folklorists John and Alan Lomax. The Lomaxes recorded him extensively for the Library of Congress and helped launch his career as a folk performer in New York City. His songs ('Goodnight, Irene,' 'Midnight Special,' 'Rock Island Line,' 'Cotton Fields,' 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night') became cornerstones of the folk revival and have been recorded by hundreds of artists. He died of ALS in December 1949, just months before 'Goodnight, Irene' became a massive pop hit for the Weavers.