(MUSIC)
Huddie 'Lead Belly' Ledbetter with his 12-string guitar in a 1940s publicity photoLead Belly was released from prison the next year, in nineteen thirty-four. That same year, John Lomax published a book called "American Ballads and Folk Songs." He included many of the songs gathered from prisons in the South.
After that, Lead Belly became a celebrity. He was offered recording contracts, concert performances and radio broadcasts.
VOICE ONE:
Lead Belly worked for the Lomaxes as a driver and assistant. And John Lomax served as his manager, choosing performances and media appearances.
Some music writers say John Lomax paid himself too much out of Lead Belly's income. Dick Weissman is author of the book "Which Side Are You On? An Inside History of the Folk Music Revival in America." He says half of Lead Belly's concert fees went to John Lomax. And when Alan was added, he says, all three shared the money, so Lead Belly got only a third.
But others say music like Lead Belly's would never have become widely known if it wasn't for the work of John Lomax.
(MUSIC: "Good Night, Irene")
VOICE TWO:
Alan LomaxAlan Lomax was eighteen years old when he started traveling with his father. They worked together in the South. But Alan also collected recordings himself in other parts of the country -- New England, New York and the Midwest.
And he did not stop there. His desire to increase understanding among people took him to other countries as well. He collected folk songs from the Caribbean and Europe, including this "Wedding Serenade" from Italy.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25