Origin: LeadBelly's name

Subject: LeadBelly Paper
From:
Date: 28 Feb 99 - 09:58 PM

I have been doing research on the great Huddie Ledbetter for my Folklore class here at college. I have a lot of great information already, but i figured i'd put a note up to see if anyone can give me some little known information about Leadbelly. One question i am having trouble finding a specific answer to is how he got his nickname. The only thing i have come up with is that he was such a tough guy in the penitentiary that he got that name- is that it?? IF you know some really cool info about any specific performances etc. please respond, or email me at tsudave@hotmail thanks

---

• Leadbelly Foundation
  
• Lead Belly Blog

Subject: RE: LeadBelly Paper
From:
Date: 01 Mar 99 - 05:44 AM

That is the story I heard too.

You can try the Leadbelly Foundation and the Leadbelly Society web sites. (The two names should be "active" so you can click on them.

There is also Harry Lewman's web site. He has written a Leadbelly songbook and is very knowledgable on the subject. There are facilities for contacting him on the site.

The Leadbelly society has been around for a while. You can join and get the Leadbelly Newsletter. The address is given at the society's web page.

Murray

Subject: RE: LeadBelly Paper
From:
Date: 01 Mar 99 - 06:07 AM

tsudave,

Lead Belly is an adaptation of his last name Ledbetter that he acquired in prison. He was a big, strong man so it fit him well.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: LeadBelly Paper
From: Dr John
Date: 01 Mar 99 - 02:32 PM

Prisoners seemed to aquire nick nanes at this time. There were also James "Iron Head" Baker and Moses "Clear Rock" Platt, both recorded for the Lomaxes.

Subject: RE: LeadBelly Paper
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 07 - 08:00 PM

cool