From his lyrics to his life, the iconic blues and folksinger Lead Belly was known for his strong voice and lyrics. He created honest and controversial music that serenaded people and reflected real life issues during the 1930s and 1940s.In honor of Black History Month, the Smithsonian Channel and Smithsonian Folk- ways will celebrate his life and legacy with two major TV specials on February 23 and 24. Lead Belly inspired generations of musicians, from Harry Belafonte, to Nirvana while over- coming an impoverished Louisiana upbringing and a stint in prison. His story is told in the new one-hour special Legend of Lead Belly (Smithsonian Channel) Monday, February 23 at 8 p.m.
“The documentary studies a lot of the songs like ‘Black Betty,’ which is a prison song about a train. The song has been played in a disco form, rock song and of- ten played in sporting events,” states Jeff Place curator of Smithsonian Folkways and co-producer of Lead Belly: The Smithsonian Collection.
On February 24, the “Lead Belly: The Smithsonian Folksways Collection” will present the first ever career-spanning box set devoted to the legend, with 16 previously unreleased recordings, including four never before available original songs, and radio programs Lead Belly made for WNYC which can be heard for the first time since airing in 1941. The set also features many rare photos and extensive sleeve notes.
“The book and the box set is a complete overview of his career, every last period he did of his career tells a story,” said Place.
He was born Huddie Ledbetter on January 20, 1889 in Mooringsport, Louisiana, into a post- war South plagued by extreme poverty, poor education, racism and a corrupt justice system. With the odds stacked against him, Lead Belly emerged as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. A pioneer in singing controversial songs, his classics include “Back- water Blues,” “Midnight Special,” and “The Titanic.” His music was often inspired by topics like women, prison life and racism. Along with a powerful voice, Lead Belly played the piano, mandolin, harmonica, violin, accordion and his famous 12-string Stella guitar.
“Starting last year was the 125th anniversary of his birth, his family is working on a film, in England there will be a huge concert,” said Place.
Lead Belly was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 in the “Early Influence” category and in 2008 he was inducted into the Lousinana Hall of Fame.
Get more information at smithsonianchannel.com/leadbelly and folkways.si.edu/leadbelly.
