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Charles K. Wolfe
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The Life And Legend Of Leadbelly Paperback – May 7, 1999

by Charles Wolfe (Author), Kip Lornell (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 67 ratings
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Huddie Ledbetter (1889–1949), known to millions of fans simply as Leadbelly, was arguably the most famous black singer in American history. His close musical associations included such towering figures as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and John and Alan Lomax. He helped lay the foundations for blues, modern folk music, and rock 'n' roll. This definitive biography draws on a wealth of new archival material, interviews, and previously unknown recordings to detail Leadbelly's proud, tumultuous, and often violent life.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    360 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    May 7, 1999
  4. Dimensions
    9.02 x 6.08 x 0.9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    030680896X
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0306808968
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author


Three-time Grammy nominee and author of twelve books on American vernacular music, Charles Wolfe is a professor of english at Middle Tennessee State University. He lives near Nashville. Kip Lornell is an associate professorial lecturer at George Washington University, a research associate at the Smithsonian Institution, author of five other music-related books, and the recipient of a 1997 Grammy for his work on the Anthology of American Folk Music. He lives in Washington, D.C.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Da Capo Press; First Edition (May 7, 1999)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 360 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 030680896X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0306808968
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.19 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.02 x 6.08 x 0.9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 67 ratings

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Charles K. Wolfe

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
67 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Zebulynn
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful biography.
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2022
Verified Purchase
Leadbelly has always been a figure of myth & a larger than life legend growing up. This was very well researched & really tells it blatantly & honestly which is definitely appreciated. I thought I knew alot about him but found in this book some corrections & new interesting things. Definitely recommend reading
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Robert Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional product.
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2022
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Amazing value. Quality product. Affordable pricing.
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PW
5.0 out of 5 stars The Life And Legend Of Leadbelly
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2021
Verified Purchase
This book is great! Really told his story well! Loved it.
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TXDiva
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing History of Leadbelly
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2011
Verified Purchase
My family had a copy of this book which was misplaced almost twenty years ago. I was glad to find it here on Amazon. My grandmother is mentioned in this book as one of Ledbetter's former girlfriends. I purchased for personel reasons and was amazed to read of some of things he survived. It also gives insight in the reason we have the blues music. A true legend and this should be considered mandatory for all music students.
8 people found this helpful
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Jason Abshire
5.0 out of 5 stars Facts more interesting than fiction!
Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2015
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This book is hands down the most comprehensive account of Lead Belly's life. The book is an easy enjoyable read. I For one picked it up on a Saturday morning and completed it the same day. No stone goes unturned.
3 people found this helpful
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laura puopolo
5.0 out of 5 stars Balanced, Objective and Portrayal
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2015
Verified Purchase
Great book. Author really captured all of Leadbelly's dimensions with balance and reverence. Great detail on music history context and great research done to reveal the man (with his greatness and imperfectioms) behind the myth.
2 people found this helpful
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Jason Allen Christian
5.0 out of 5 stars Great purchase!
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2019
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Just as advertised.
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RobC
2.0 out of 5 stars Emphasis on the music!
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
Interesting at first, but goes too deep into the roots of the various songs and obscure details of such. If this is your thing you may love it. I am a lifelong folkie, and I could not keep reading. See the movie for more
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Top reviews from other countries

Steve Parsons
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on May 15, 2016
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Prompt shipping and great price!
Thank you!
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SmokinAsh
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2009
Verified Purchase
This is a truly amazing account of the life of Leadbelly, an American icon. It kept me riveted and amazed. If you are an aspiring musician and you think you have it tough then have a read of Leadbelly's life and think again. Quality reading, especially for any aspiring musicians.
9 people found this helpful
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D. Robson
5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant book, a bit academic, it's intention no doubt!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 21, 2013
Verified Purchase
A well researched, prospectively presented work. It provides a detailed explanation to Hewdies formation and development as a man and musician. I felt it provided a great insight into the racial and cultural background to the people and music of the Southern states of the US. This allowed the reader (English Caucasian) to visualise the rich, diverse and at times terrible experiences of Hewdies Afroamerican - Indian culture and geographic background. This was important in describing how folk, blues and Jazz influences (both daily lived lives of the people) and the 'musical symbiosis' helped develop his style. His life experience appeared to be 'off the scale' even in comparison to other musicians who where a single generation away from slavery. This is significant I believe, in honing his ability to write in 'double meaning.' The only way, at that time, - probably- his generation could get across the horror of the apartheid system in which they survived. See - 'Titanic' ''The Captain said to Jack Johnson - (black world heavyweight champion) we don't haul no coal- fair thee well Titanic, fair thee well'' A style used by Charles Dickens to disguise his hatred of the class system in the UK a few years before! But Hewdie, was more talented than Dickens I believe, due to having to play and sing at the same time, as telling his stories. In addition it gives evidence to Hewdies technical musical genius (the ability to pick up various instruments as a small child) and just play them. He was - the Master - a repertoire of 500 - 1500 songs... I know 14.... Cheers Hewdie... Cheers Charles.
3 people found this helpful
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Keiran McAllister
5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 3, 2010
Verified Purchase
So, you like music do you? I know I do. I discovered 'Leadbelly' through a 'Folkways release called, a vision shared'. This album contains covers of Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly songs by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan et al. Brian Wilson covers 'Goodnight Irene' on it, the classic Leadbelly song.

I moved on to Leadbelly compilations and collections and the recordings have rewarded me tenfold. I bought this book to try to get a fuller picture of the man. It does that admirably. I haven't read any other works about Leadbelly. I have no hesitation recommending this book.

A note about Mr Huddie Ledbetter. He is not an angel, in many ways he was trouble with a capital 'T'. His gift was his voice and for those that recorded it and preserved those recordings I owe a great debt.
4 people found this helpful
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mary muston
5.0 out of 5 stars Leadbeely book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2013
Verified Purchase
Best blues biography I've come across in many a long year. Very readable and good scholarship to boot, Mega deal.
2 people found this helpful
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