Leadbelly, born Huddie William Ledbetter, is one of the most influential and celebrated figures in American folk music. He was a master of the twelve-string guitar and possessed a powerful voice that ...

Listen to the official audio for Lead Belly's "Irene (Goodnight Irene)" from the 2015 box set 'Lead Belly: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection.' 'Lead Belly: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection' ...

Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE, and producers Surf Gang joined forces for a new single, “Leadbelly.” The track comes off their upcoming collaborative LP, Pompeii // Utility, out April 3 via 10k/Tan ...

CC0 Usage Conditions ApplyClick for more information. Smithsonian Folkways producer and archivist Jeff Place takes us through a history of the singer's biggest hits as he discusses the importance of ...

Mikkel Bee wears out washboards. Lead Belly at Stuyvesant Casino, New York, NY, circa 1946 Credit: William P. Gottlieb collection at the Library of Congress / Public Domain The corrugated brass on the ...