This blues legend started life January 21, 1885 near Mooringsport, Louisiana. Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter left home at 21 to play and sing his music all over Texas and Louisiana. When he couldn't play his music, he worked as a laborer. He also had a temperament that landed him in jail. Once, after serving 7 years in a Texas prison, he begged the governor with a song for his release. A pardon was granted.

Leadbelly legends are still told amongst Bluesmen. His songs are as popular as ever. A master at playing the twelve string guitar, he could also play the mandolin, accordion, piano, and harmonica.

In the 1930s, Leadbelly was introduced to New York's Harlem community. By 1940 he was well known, particularly in England, where his work influenced later bands like the Beatles. He found his greatest following on college campuses. In 1988 he was inducted to the "Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame.