Blues Legends

Performer: Leadbelly
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Although it appears somewhat thrown together, this set is made up of live performances from Leadbelly (disc 1) and the Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee folk blues duo (disc 2) that convey the special connection each of these acts was able to make with audiences, particularly Leadbelly, who turns in impassioned performances of "Goodnight Irene," "Gallis Pole" and "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?," all three of which require different emotional nuances in order to work. Leadbelly shows what a natural and riveting performer he could be here, and to a lesser extent, so do Sonny & Terry, and one would have to say that all three of these musicians were at their best in small group settings like this. Although it appears somewhat thrown together, this set is made up of live performances from Leadbelly (disc one) and the Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee folk-blues duo (disc two) that convey the special connection each of these acts was able to make with audiences, particularly Leadbelly, who turns in impassioned performances of "Goodnight Irene," "Gallis Pole," and "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?," all three of which require different emotional nuances in order to work. Leadbelly shows what a natural and riveting performer he could be here, and to a lesser extent, so do Sonny & Terry, and one would have to say that all three of these musicians were at their best in small group settings like this. ~ Steve Leggett

The embodiment of the link between folk and blues, Lousiana-born Leadbelly (Huddie Ledbetter) possessed a powerful voice and the creative fervor to fashion his observations and heartfelt passions into riveting songs. An itinerant singer/guitarist, he performed in between working odd jobs and spending time in prison for his violent outbursts. Twice he gained pardon from long prison sentences with his songs. After Leadbelly's second pardon, in 1934, the recordings folklorist Alan Lomax made of him brought the singer national success. Whether conscious of his influence or not, nearly all folk and blues singers can trace their musical lineage back to him. He's responsible for many songs that have become part of America's cultural heritage.

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