On this day in 1949, folk musician Lead Belly died. You may not know the name, but I guarantee some of your favorite musicians do. Huddie Ledbetter, born on a Louisiana plantation sometime in 1888 or 1889 (it’s not clear exactly when), was known during his life not only as an extraordinarily musical talent and performer but also as a man quick to violence. He was skilled with many instruments, but he was nicknamed the “King of the 12 String Guitar” for his mastery of it, earning a name for himself in Shreveport for his skill from a young age.
In 1918, Ledbetter killed someone in a fight. He was sentenced to thirty years and after serving some time, he wrote a song asking then-Texas Gov. Pat Neff for a pardon. Neff, despite having sworn he would never pardon a prisoner, made an exception for Ledbetter.
He went back to touring but ended up going to prison again, this time in Louisiana for attempted homicide after another fight in 1930. There, he was found by folk music experts who were recording songs performed by prisoners for the Library of Congress.
With their help, he recorded a song, “Good Night Irene,” that would become one of his most famous singles. On the other side of the record, though, was another ask for a pardon, which La. Gov. Oscar Allen granted.
He then moved to New York, where he was able to perform for whole new (and large) audiences unfamiliar with his sound. He continued recording for the Library of Congress but also struck deals with record labels to publish his work. He died in 1949 from lateral sclerosis, known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
His work influenced a lot of well-known musicians. Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain played his songs and once tried to get someone to buy him Lead Belly’s guitar. Bob Dylan said he was the reason he got into folk music. George Harrison of the Beatles is also said to have credited Lead Belly with inspiring artists who would themselves influence the legendary group’s sound.
You can read more about Lead Belly at the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
