Take This Hammer [Snapper] [Digipak]

Performer: Leadbelly
Distributor: E1 Distribution (USA)

Notes: Personnel: Leadbelly (vocals, guitar). Whether Leadbelly actually wrote the classic songs attributed to him or had the good sense and fortune to rework existing folk songs into a final form isn't particularly important. The songs he delivered into the American mainstream ("Rock Island Line," "Goodnight Irene," "Midnight Special," "Take This Hammer," among others) have shaped the musical landscape in myriad ways. This collection from Snapper Records functions as a decent introduction to Leadbelly, although there is a lot more to his legacy than these songs. ~ 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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