Lead Belly

Huddie William Ledbetter, known as Lead Belly, was an American folk and blues singer and twelve-string guitarist who died in 1949. He was known for a strong vocal delivery and a wide repertoire that included blues, work songs, spirituals, ballads, and topical songs drawn from southern folk traditions. Field collectors John Lomax and Alan Lomax recorded him in the 1930s, and his playing and songs were influential on later folk and blues performers.