Share

Leadbelly biography

1 photo

Quick Facts

  • PLACE OF DEATH: New York, New York
  • Originally: Huddie William Ledbetter
more about Leadbelly

Best Known For

Leadbelly was a folk-blues singer, songwriter and guitarist whose ability to perform a vast repertoire of songs and notoriously violent life made him a legend.


Profile

In 1918 musician Leadbelly was imprisoned in Texas for murder. According to tradition he won his early release in 1925 by singing a song for the governor of Texas. Leadbelly was imprisoned again, for attempted murder, in 1930. There he was “discovered” by folklorists John Lomax and Alan Lomax, who were collecting songs for the Library of Congress. Subsequently he published 48 songs.

© 2012 A+E Networks. All rights reserved.

Profile Connections
    Show More Connections
    Included In These Groups

    See all related groups

    ADVERTISEMENT
    39541 39541
    profile id: 39541
    profile name: Leadbelly
    profile occupation:
    related profile id: 39541
    related profile name: Leadbelly
    related profile occupation:
    related profile img: /imported/images/Biography/Images/Profiles/L/Leadbelly-39541-1-402.jpg
    related profile URL: /people/leadbelly-39541
    profile
    pop
    Your Connections

    Sign in with Facebook to see how you and your friends are connected to famous icons.

    specific profile connection
    Your Friends' Connections
    specific friend connection

    Celebrity Connections

    Show More Connections
    Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!