The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #37033 Message #1324532
Posted By: GUEST,Anthony
12-Nov-04 - 09:53 AM
Thread Name: Leadbelly's Real Name
Subject: RE: Lead Belly's Real Name
PLEASE.....Has anyone a link for me to see Leadbelly's signature? The Library of Congress folklife division thinks it is authentic but cannot verify. Here is my story.........
I collect records as a hobby for over 30 years now and no, I do not sell records. About 9 months ago I pulled out Leadbelly's "Rock Island Line" to show a friend. The record is in pretty bad shape but I love it and it plays well enough for anyone to enjoy the music. While I was handling it, the spine split and out fell papers I knew were in there. A postcard for information on Folkways records, a liner note booklet that belongs to different record, Folkways #4 "If I had A Hammer". What I did not know was there was ALSO this flyer advertising ticket sales to a Hootenanny at the Turner arena in Washington D.C. Announcing the Birth of Entertainment Unlimited The promoters of this, Their FIRST show. Turning it over I saw the signatures of Leadbelly AND Pete Seeger. I put it back in the record and didn't touch it for another 6 months. One day 3 months ago I decided to pull it out and do a little researching on the theater ( I live about 15 miles from the address) went online and was...well almost stumped trying to find ANY information. I Googled my way through the net searching historical societies (they never wrote back) Blues and Folk music organizations , collectible , ephemera and autograph clubs. Finally I wrote to the 10 largest autograph dealers online. One wrote back suggesting I write to the Library of Congress Folklife music department. I did and they wrote me back the next day!!!
I was invited to do my research there and I am still seaching at the library when I can visit the archives. I found Notations on the Hootenanny in BOTH the Star paper columns ("After Dark" march 18th, 1948) and the Post "On The Isle" on March 12th, 1948. I have held in my hands letters written by leadbelly and NOT ONE IS SIGNED!!!!!! The one piece I have seen is searchable online but signed "Ledbetter" although when you do find it while searching a MAJOR autograph dealer, You CANNOT read the signature. My guess is you would have to be holding it in your hands to read it.The flyer is in as mint condition at 56 years old and counting as can EVER be expected for such a rare Piece of Americana musical history! I have NOT repeat NOT seen or heard of a full Huddie Ledbetter signature anywhere!! EVER!!!
Although I am a novice at this type of research the handwriting matches the signature. Please write me with any questions, thoughts or information on value, rarity and where I could view an authentic Leadbelly signature.you may have on this piece.
Thank you,
Anthony
P.S. Here are links to view Both sides of my item. http://us.f1f.yahoofs.com/bc/2ce00b35/bc/2003pics/hootenannyB.jpg?bft35jBBs6RJBvhz