Leadbelly became the first bluesman to achieve fame among white audiences. He was also the first bluesman to be treated as a major media figure in the press. Much of that had to due with his rocky life, in and out of prison instead of his music. While growing up he was influenced by many musical genres - blues, spirituals, minstrel songs. He stayed in school until he could read and write, but at 14 he was already known for his ability to play the guitar and sing. He was called upon to play at parties an dances in his hometown. He soon tired of the town and moved around looking for excitement. In 1906 while in Shreveport he discovered blues and added it to his repertoire. In 1915 he met bluesman Blind Lemon Jefferson and learned slide guitar technique. He later switched from a 6 string guitar to a 12 which helped move his career. He was often in trouble with the law and spent time in prison for several crimes during a 15-year period. In 1934 while in prison he recorded for Alan Lomax's field recordings for the Library of Congress. He made his first commercial recording in 1935. "Goodnight Irene" is one of his best known songs. In the 1940s when folk music became popular, the demand for his recordings soared.
Discography: Library of Congress Recordings (2 LPs). 19666, Elektra. Good Mornin' Blues (1936-1940). 1964 Biograph. Leadbelly Sings Folk Songs. 1990, Smithsonian/Folkways. Alabama Bound. 1990, RCA. King of the 12-String Guitar. Coumbia/Legacy. |
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