Guide Note: Leadbelly was a popular African-American folk and blues singer and guitarist. He is best known for the large library of music standards he produced during his lifetime.
Fast Facts:
- Real Name: Hudy William Ledbetter
- Nickname: Leadbelly or Lead Belly
- Born: January 23, 1888
- Place of Birth: Mooringsport, Louisiana
- Died: December 6, 1949
- Was discovered while in prison by John and Alan Lomax, musicologists for the Archive of Folk Culture
- Nickname was given to him in prison as a play on his last name "Ledbetter"
- His music has been covered by popular artists such as Led Zeppelin and Nirvana