Lead Belly

The Profile

Huddie William Ledbetter (January 23, 1888 – December 6, 1949), known as Lead Belly, was an American folk and blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Famous for his powerful vocals and 12‑string guitar, he was extensively recorded by John and Alan Lomax for the Library of Congress. His repertoire spanned work songs, spirituals, ballads, and blues; signature pieces include Goodnight Irene, Midnight Special, Black Betty, Rock Island Line, and Where Did You Sleep Last Night?.

Recorded hundreds of songs (notably 1933–1949) and helped bridge blues and folk traditions. Known for a distinctive 12‑string style and a rhythmic field-holler interjection (“Haah!”). His songs were championed by Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie and later covered by artists such as Nirvana and Led Zeppelin.

Two DeBaser reviews spotlight Lead Belly as a foundational folk-blues figure. They trace his prison-to-Library-of-Congress arc with John and Alan Lomax, his booming vocals, and 12-string style. Signature songs include Goodnight Irene, Midnight Special, Rock Island Line, Black Betty, and Where Did You Sleep Last Night?. Influence spans folk revivalists to rock icons.