From: Legend of Lead Belly
Lead Belly's Universal Blues
Because Lead Belly sang about enduring human emotions and experiences, new generations of artists continue to cover and seek inspiration from his music.
More About This show
Huddie Ledbetter was born into poverty, battled racism, and did time, but in spite of his early hardships, or perhaps because of them, he became one of the great musicians of the 20th century. We trace the life and career of Lead Belly, a man praised by critics and revered by artists, whose unique music crossed a host of genres and influenced countless industry legends, from The Beatles to Led Zeppelin to Nirvana and beyond. See how his talent, humanity, and determination defeated all that stood in his way to make his voice heard, then and now.
More From This Show
Related Videos
Related Shows
Unlock Full Episodes
Access even more free Smithsonian Channel full episodes and documentaries online through participating TV providers.
Select Your Provider to Begin
Don't See Your Provider?
Find out if your television provider carries Smithsonian Channel on air.