Lead Belly's repertoire provided many hits and songs still familiar today.

Lead Belly died on December 6, 1949. Six months later, 'Goodnight Irene' by The Weavers was at the top of the pop charts. The song was credited to Huddie Ledbetter and John Lomax.

'Rock Island Line' by Lonnie Donegan was released in 1955. It was an enormous hit and ushered in the skiffle boom. The song was listed as traditional, and Donegan was criticised for not crediting his arrangement to Lead Belly. In turn, Donegan received no royalties from Decca for record sales, beyond his original session fee.

'Bring a Little Water, Sylvie' was released in 1956, credited to Donegan. Lonnie Donegan Showcase (1956) - a 10" LP - also reached the singles charts and included 'I'm Alabammy Bound'. 'Cotton Fields', credited to Huddie Ledbetter, became a hit for the Beach Boys in 1969.