Customer Reviews

The Life And Legend Of Leadbelly

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There's some great information here, and the authors present the fruits of some painstaking research into Leadbelly's early life. We find out the true story behind his prison stints (and escapes) and releases. We also learn about a possible ultimate source for Goodnight Irene. The stories of Leadbelly's experiences with the Lomaxes are much more detailed and richly told because Lomax wrote many letters and kept an extensive record of his travels with Leadbelly.

But a more attentive editor could have helped a great deal. For example, two dates for Juneteenth are given. Bruno Hauptmann's name is misspelled. Some clunky phrases are repeated within a paragraph of one another. The chronology of Leadbelly's trips around the Northeast is muddled and hard to follow at times. The information is all there, and it is great to read all about it, but it could have been much more clearly presented.

very well put together biography based on a variety of sources. the authors present the myths and the 'facts' in a very cogent and objective manner allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions. not only is leadbelly explored in detail, but this book also contains great descriptions of the places, times and character of leadbelly's world.

this book is also a nice read for those interested in john or alan lomax.

i only wish there had been more photos - but those that survive are accessible on-line.

This is a fascinating biography of one of this century's truly seminal artists, from his days in the Shreveport red light district to his jail terms in Huntsville and Angola, LA., on through his "discovery" by John and Alan Lomax. The book is exhaustively researched and will delight both blues fans and history buffs.

This well-written, well-researched book is THE source for Huddie Ledbetter/Leadbelly information.

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.

After reading this book you will have a real sence of leadbelly, the man and his music.
A true original and free soul

This is a great book! For those interested in Lead Belly, it is a must have. Pity that it's "out of stock indefinitely."